By Egufe Yafugborhi
ASABA — The Delta State High Court has declined the bail application filed on behalf of Mr Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as Odogwu Asaba, who is facing allegations relating to the death of late Favour Agbro.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following arguments by counsel on the defendant’s bail application.
The court ordered that Ogbonna remain in custody at the Ogwashi-Uku Maximum Correctional Centre and directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file the Information within 14 days.
According to a statement by the defendant’s counsel, Triple O and C Chambers, the court declined the application at this stage, noting concerns relating to the applicant’s safety and possible public reaction, while the Information was yet to be filed by the DPP.
The court, however, held that the defendant would be at liberty to apply for bail after the Information had been filed.
Counsel to Ogbonna, Ugochukwu Okoli, N.N. Onuzurike and C.S. Chukwudolue, appeared for the applicant, while Dr R.O. Ishiguzo, a law officer with the Nigeria Police Force, State CID, Asaba, represented the respondent, the State Commissioner of Police/complainant.
The development was also confirmed by Awele Ideal, counsel representing Favour’s family on a pro bono basis.
In an update, Ideal said the bail application was argued and that the court subsequently ruled against granting bail to Ogbonna.
She said she remained committed to representing Favour’s family and providing legal services on a pro bono basis.
Reacting to the ruling, Comrade Deo, a human rights advocate involved in the campaign for justice for Favour, described the development as “a reminder that justice is a process.”
He commended Ideal for representing Favour’s family and opposing the bail application.
Deo also alleged that activists had worked with the police in efforts that led to Ogbonna’s arrest in Asaba after monitoring his movements.
However, he stressed that the refusal of bail did not amount to a conviction.
“The refusal of bail is not a conviction, and the allegations against the accused remain allegations until determined by the court,” he said.
The case will proceed with the filing of the Information by the DPP, after which Ogbonna may renew his bail application.
Ogbonna remains presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.END
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