Controversial celebrity auto dealer, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, has been reportedly arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Qatar ahead of his rumored wedding to self-styled relationship coach, Blessing CEO.
The dramatic arrest, which occurred on Friday, was reportedly carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), reigniting public interest in IVD’s ongoing legal battle connected to the tragic death of his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna.
According to popular blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, IVD’s arrest was prompted by a legal restriction barring him from leaving the country while his trial is ongoing. In a post made on her Instagram page on Saturday, Korkus confirmed that the domestic violence case against IVD is still active in court, and his attempt to travel abroad contravened bail conditions.
“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,” she stated.
The Lagos State Government had, in 2023, filed a one-count charge of involuntary manslaughter against IVD in suit No. LD/21055C/23. The charge stems from the October 2022 death of Bimbo Ogbonna, who sustained fatal injuries during a fire outbreak at their home in Lekki. The incident, widely believed to be a result of longstanding domestic abuse, sparked national outrage and renewed conversations around gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, IVD has remained in the public eye—often flaunting his lifestyle on social media and recently stirring controversy over his public relationship with Blessing CEO, a figure also known for courting online drama and sensational content.
News of the arrest has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public. While some expressed sympathy for the deceased’s family, others questioned the timing of the arrest and the motives behind IVD’s intended trip to Qatar.
Legal experts say that if IVD attempted to travel without proper court authorization, he may have violated the terms of his bail—an offense that could result in further legal consequences, including possible revocation of his bail and re-arrest.
As of press time, neither IVD nor Blessing CEO has issued a public statement regarding the incident. However, sources close to the case suggest that the Lagos DPP is preparing to intensify prosecution as the high-profile trial resumes later this month.
The development has renewed public discourse on the importance of ensuring justice for victims of domestic violence and the need for stricter enforcement of bail conditions in high-profile criminal cases.