Justice For Slain Ibusa Cleric: Court Hears First Testimony In Bishop Okonkwo’s Murder Case
By UCHE OGBODO
Prosecution Opens Case Against Accused Driver
THE Delta State Government has commenced the trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, the driver accused of murdering his employer, Pentecostal cleric Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly known as Clarence James.
Proceedings opened at the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division, with Justice H. O. Akpotohwo presiding. The prosecution called its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth, to testify in the case.
The alleged murder occurred at the bishop’s residence in Ibusa, near Asaba, on 12 May 2026.
Bishop Okonkwo founded End-Reconciliation Ministry, Asaba. He also served as Deputy Chairman of the Ibusa Indigenous Ministers Association.
The prosecution team was led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, SAN. Other members included Mrs. Juliet Akpomiemie, Deputy Director; Ifeanyi Uduaghan, Principal State Counsel; and Faith Beluchukwu, Pupil State Counsel.
Witness Explains How Defendant Secured Employment
In his testimony, Pastor Wealth told the court that he owned the agency through which Obiagwu secured employment as the bishop’s driver.
He further stated that the defendant had worked for barely three weeks when he received a telephone call informing him that Obiagwu had allegedly killed his employer.
According to the prosecution’s account, the bishop was attacked inside his residence and struck to death with a pestle. The defendant was also accused of fleeing with the deceased’s Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and mobile phones.
Defendant & Brother Reportedly Arrested in Anambra
Reports surrounding the incident indicated that security operatives subsequently arrested Obiagwu and his brother in Nkpor, Ndemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The arrests reportedly followed an alleged attempt to sell the stolen vehicle for ₦10 million.
However, the defendant reportedly offered a different account during police interrogation. He allegedly claimed that armed kidnappers forced him to cooperate in the attack, blindfolded him and gained access to the bishop’s residence.
These claims remain part of the circumstances surrounding the case and are subject to judicial examination.
Court Adjourns Case to 26th November
The proceedings have attracted considerable attention, particularly among members of the Ibusa Christian community, who have called for justice over the cleric’s death.
Following the first witness’s testimony, the court adjourned the case to 26 November 2026 for continuation of hearing.
The prosecution is expected to call four additional witnesses when the trial resumes.
