Update: Celebrity Auto Dealer IVD Arrested at Lagos Airport While En Route to Qatar for Wedding Amid Ongoing Manslaughter Trial

 

Popular Lagos-based automobile dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, widely known as IVD, has been reportedly arrested and detained by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions. His arrest allegedly took place on Friday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Qatar, where he was expected to wed social media personality and self-proclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO.

The dramatic development has quickly become a trending topic online, reigniting discussions around the tragic case involving the death of IVD’s late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna. Multiple reports suggest that the reason for the arrest centers on his ongoing legal battle concerning her passing, which remains unresolved in court.

Sources close to the situation confirmed that IVD is currently facing a serious charge of involuntary manslaughter filed by the Lagos State Government. The case is registered as suit number LD/21055C/23, and legal authorities had reportedly imposed travel restrictions as part of the court proceedings.

Social commentator and investigative journalist Stella Dimoko-Korkus shared further insight on Saturday through her Instagram page, shedding light on why the arrest occurred. According to her, IVD is still under judicial scrutiny for a domestic violence-related incident that tragically led to his wife’s death in October 2022.

She wrote, “The domestic violence case against him regarding his late wife is still in court. IVD is not supposed to leave Nigeria until the case is over.”

The deceased, Bimbo Ogbonna, reportedly suffered fatal injuries during a fire outbreak at their Lagos residence. It was alleged that the fire resulted from a domestic altercation, further fueling accusations of abuse and negligence. The news of her passing sparked national outrage, with many calling for justice and accountability for the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.

At the time, various accounts from friends and family painted a harrowing picture of a toxic and abusive marriage, one that had long been marred by violent episodes and emotional trauma. Bimbo’s sister and other relatives took to social media then, alleging that she had suffered years of physical and emotional abuse before the fatal incident.

Since the tragedy, IVD has remained a polarizing figure. While he has continued with his business activities and maintained a presence on social media, critics and human rights advocates have expressed disappointment over perceived delays in the judicial process. His public appearances, especially with Blessing CEO, have also drawn criticism, as many see his romantic involvement with the controversial influencer as insensitive and poorly timed.

Blessing CEO, known for her often inflammatory relationship advice and bold online persona, previously claimed she was standing by IVD as a show of loyalty and love. Their impending marriage has been widely discussed and criticized, with many questioning the morality and implications of such a union in the shadow of an unresolved criminal case.

Friday’s arrest signals that the legal system is now taking stricter measures to ensure compliance with judicial proceedings. Legal analysts say that if IVD attempted to flee the country in violation of court-imposed restrictions, it could lead to more serious consequences beyond the current manslaughter charge. Such an act might be interpreted as an attempt to evade justice, potentially influencing the outcome of his trial.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions has yet to release an official statement confirming the arrest or detailing the next steps. However, the incident has triggered renewed public interest in the case and fresh calls for justice for Bimbo Ogbonna.

Public reactions on social media have been intense. Many users have expressed satisfaction that the legal authorities appear to be taking the matter more seriously. Others are demanding that IVD be held fully accountable and that the case be expedited to ensure closure for the family of the deceased.

As of the time of this report, it remains unclear whether IVD has secured bail or if he will remain in custody pending his next court appearance. What is certain is that this development casts a heavy shadow over his planned wedding and continues to stir conversations around domestic violence, justice, and accountability in Nigeria’s celebrity circles.