Airport Shockwave: Businessman IVD Arrested While Attempting to Flee Amid Domestic Violence Case Over Wife’s Death

In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves across the country, popular auto dealer and businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, better known as IVD, was arrested at the airport on Friday, August 1, 2025, while reportedly trying to board a flight to Qatar. The incident has reignited public interest in the deeply controversial and emotionally charged domestic violence case surrounding the death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna.

IVD’s attempted departure raised eyebrows immediately, as he has been under intense scrutiny and ongoing judicial supervision following the tragic circumstances that led to Bimbo’s death. Sources close to law enforcement disclosed that the businessman was intercepted at the airport based on a standing travel restriction imposed on him due to the active court case. The restriction is part of a wider set of measures intended to ensure his presence during judicial proceedings, especially given the sensitive and public nature of the case.

The late Bimbo Ogbonna lost her life under disturbing circumstances in late 2022, after a fire incident that allegedly occurred during a heated altercation with IVD at their residence. Her death stirred massive public outcry, with many Nigerians demanding justice and accountability in what they perceived as a textbook case of long-term domestic abuse. Multiple reports and videos that surfaced online in the wake of the tragedy painted a grim picture of a toxic and violent relationship, one that had reportedly spanned years and culminated fatally.

While IVD maintained his innocence and alleged that Bimbo’s actions were self-inflicted, her family and several women's rights activists have consistently pushed for justice, arguing that she was a victim of systemic abuse and emotional trauma. The court has since taken on the case, and the businessman was charged with manslaughter—a case that remains under judicial review and has seen several adjournments and delays.

News of his arrest on Friday quickly went viral on social media, with many users expressing a mix of outrage and vindication. The timing of his attempted trip, just days before his scheduled court appearance on Monday, August 4, has fueled suspicions about whether he intended to flee justice. Critics argue that IVD’s actions betray a lack of respect for due process, and some are now calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in high-profile criminal cases.

What makes the situation even more dramatic is the involvement of Blessing CEO, a controversial relationship therapist and social media personality widely known to be romantically linked with IVD. In an Instagram story posted just hours after his arrest, Blessing CEO confirmed that the businessman had indeed been detained. She didn’t shy away from declaring her continued support for him, suggesting that she was actively working behind the scenes to ensure his release and legal defense.

Her involvement has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some sympathize with her as a partner trying to stand by her man, others have harshly criticized her for aligning herself with someone still facing such serious allegations. Many have pointed to her previous controversial takes on domestic violence and relationships, claiming she is using the case for attention and personal gain.

Despite the media frenzy, the Nigerian police have so far declined to issue an official statement regarding the arrest. However, a confidential source within the department confirmed that IVD was taken into custody based on a directive from the court, and that he is expected to be detained until his next hearing.

Legal experts watching the case say that if IVD had succeeded in boarding the flight to Qatar, it could have dramatically complicated the already tense legal battle. “Leaving the country while facing such serious charges would amount to contempt of court,” said Barrister James Etim, a Lagos-based criminal defense attorney. “It would send a strong message to the judiciary that he is not taking the case seriously, and it could influence the court’s perception of his character and trustworthiness.”

For the family of the late Bimbo Ogbonna, the arrest is being seen as a long-overdue act of justice. Speaking anonymously, one of her relatives said, “We’ve watched this man walk freely and continue with his life as if nothing happened. If he had succeeded in leaving Nigeria, it would have been a betrayal to Bimbo’s memory and to all women who have suffered silently.”

This incident comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing increased public awareness and activism around issues of domestic violence. Advocacy groups like Stand For Women and the Bimbo Lives Foundation have taken to the streets and social media, calling for greater accountability and systemic reforms in how domestic violence cases are handled, especially those involving influential figures like IVD.

The Monday court session is now being seen as a pivotal moment in the case. Will the court move forward decisively with the trial? Will new bail conditions be set or revoked? Will additional charges be filed following the attempted escape? These are questions many Nigerians are asking as the nation awaits what promises to be a courtroom showdown.

Meanwhile, IVD’s arrest has once again spotlighted the blurred lines between celebrity, power, and justice in Nigeria. His flamboyant lifestyle, Instagram fame, and high-profile relationships have often shielded him from the level of scrutiny most defendants might face. But with growing calls for transparency and justice, the tide may finally be turning.

As the country holds its breath for Monday’s hearing, one thing is clear: the battle for justice in the case of Bimbo Ogbonna is far from over. And with every new twist, the Nigerian public is reminded of the deep emotional wounds left behind by domestic violence—wounds that demand healing, not silence.