Celebrity auto dealer, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, better known as IVD, has reportedly been arrested by authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The arrest, which took place on Friday, comes just days before his planned wedding to controversial social media personality and self-proclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO.
According to multiple reports, IVD was detained by officials from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions as he attempted to board a flight to Qatar. His arrest is reportedly linked to the ongoing legal case surrounding the death of his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna.
On Saturday, popular entertainment blogger Stella Dimoko-Korkus took to Instagram to shed more light on the situation. She claimed that the auto dealer’s arrest was tied to the unresolved domestic violence case involving his late wife.
“IVD is not supposed to leave Nigeria until the court case involving his late wife is concluded,” Dimoko-Korkus stated. “The domestic violence case is still very much in court, and his attempt to travel abroad likely triggered the arrest.”
Flashback to IVD’s saga
The tragic story dates back to October 2022, when Bimbo Ogbonna died following a fire outbreak at their home in Lagos. The fire was allegedly caused by a violent altercation between the couple. Bimbo reportedly suffered severe burns and was rushed to a hospital, where she eventually died from her injuries.
The case drew nationwide attention and sparked public outrage, especially on social media, where many called for justice and urged the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. In response, the Lagos State Government launched a probe and eventually charged IVD with one count of involuntary manslaughter.
The charge was filed under suit number LD/21055C/23. The prosecution argues that IVD’s actions, or inactions, contributed to the circumstances that led to Bimbo’s death. While the trial is ongoing, IVD had remained free, although under scrutiny.
Legal experts say that defendants facing manslaughter charges are generally expected to remain within the country while proceedings are underway. Attempting to leave Nigeria without official clearance could be seen as an effort to evade justice, which might explain the swift action taken by the authorities at the airport.
Neither IVD nor Blessing CEO has issued a public statement regarding the arrest as of the time of this report. However, the development has already sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians calling for the case to be handled transparently and fairly.
This latest twist also adds another layer of controversy to the public relationship between IVD and Blessing CEO. The couple made headlines earlier in the year after Blessing publicly confirmed their romantic relationship during an Instagram Live session, just months after Bimbo’s death. The announcement was met with mixed reactions, with critics accusing both parties of insensitivity.
Blessing CEO, who often shares advice on love and relationships online, has also faced criticism for defending IVD in the past. In several interviews and social media posts, she claimed that IVD was innocent and had been unfairly judged by the public.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has maintained that it is committed to ensuring that justice is served in the case. Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, and the latest arrest could influence the pace and direction of the trial.
As the story continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see how the legal system handles this high-profile case involving domestic violence, celebrity influence, and public accountability.
Read Also: ‘I’m not the damaged one’, Blessing CEO slams critics of her relationship
