Court Clears Auto Dealer IVD of Wife’s Death After Three-Year Legal Battle

|By Queen Banigo

A Lagos court has discharged and acquitted celebrity auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, of complicity in the death of his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle that spanned three years.

The court delivered the verdict on Monday, December 15, 2025, clearing IVD of all allegations following accusations by Bimbo’s family that he caused her death.

The acquittal was announced publicly by IVD’s partner, Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, who disclosed the outcome on her Instagram page. She celebrated the ruling as a victory for justice and urged people to exit unhealthy relationships rather than remain in abusive situations.

“Discharged and acquitted, 15th December 2025. It ended in praise. Four years of tears and false narratives. Nigeria’s justice system still works,” she wrote, adding that IVD could now reclaim his life. She further advised followers to leave relationships that no longer work.

Bimbo Ogbonna died in October 2022 after sustaining injuries from a fire incident at the couple’s Lagos residence, an incident that was linked to allegations of domestic violence.

In March 2023, the Lagos State Government arraigned IVD on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the incident. He was subsequently granted bail.

The case took another turn on August 1, 2025, when IVD was rearrested by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions while travelling to Qatar ahead of his planned wedding to Blessing CEO.

Monday’s ruling effectively closes the case, ending years of legal scrutiny and public controversy surrounding the high-profile matter.