
In a dramatic twist that has reignited heated discussions across social media and the entertainment scene, popular relationship therapist and social media influencer Blessing Okoro, better known as Blessing CEO, has come out strongly in defense of her fiancé, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, widely known as IVD, following his arrest over an unresolved 2022 domestic violence case linked to the tragic death of his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna. The development, confirmed by the Daily Post NG, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, reopening old wounds and triggering a new wave of public scrutiny and divided opinions.
According to reports, the celebrity auto dealer was taken into custody in Lagos after a fresh push to revisit the circumstances surrounding the explosive 2022 domestic dispute that led to Bimbo's death. The late Bimbo Ogbonna had reportedly sustained severe burns during an altercation at their residence, which eventually led to her demise. Her death sparked massive outrage at the time, with Nigerians calling for justice amid allegations of long-standing abuse in their marriage. While the case had appeared to go quiet for a while, the recent arrest suggests the authorities may now be taking a more aggressive approach to finally getting answers—or justice.
But in the midst of the legal drama, one voice has stood out boldly, passionately, and without apologies—Blessing CEO. Taking to her social media handles almost immediately after news of IVD’s arrest broke, the controversial influencer did not mince words in her defense of the man she openly loves. “They are trying to break him. They want to destroy him emotionally. This is not justice; this is emotional manipulation, and it needs to stop,” she said in a video that quickly went viral.
Blessing CEO, who has made headlines for her blunt takes on relationships and men-women dynamics, went further to allege that IVD is being unfairly targeted and painted as a villain in a story that she claims is far more complicated than the public understands. She claimed that since 2022, IVD has been battling not just legal threats but also emotional trauma, public humiliation, and psychological warfare from people determined to keep him in a corner. “He’s already been judged by social media. They don’t want to hear his side. They want to punish him just because he is IVD,” she declared.
Her statement has, as expected, sparked massive debate online. While some of her followers have applauded her for standing by her man and speaking her truth, others have accused her of insensitivity, especially in a case that involves the death of a woman under violent and mysterious circumstances. Hashtags like #JusticeForBimbo and #ArrestIVD began trending again within hours, with many Nigerians reminding the public of the horrific images that emerged in 2022, showing the damage allegedly done to Bimbo before she succumbed to her injuries. Critics are asking how someone who claims to be a relationship therapist could so casually dismiss the pain of a woman who allegedly suffered years of abuse.
Still, Blessing CEO remains undeterred. She insists that there is a lot more to the story than what the public has been fed, and she hinted that there is an agenda to “crucify IVD” simply because he is a high-profile figure and an easy target. “It’s not justice when you pick one side of the story and run with it because it’s convenient for your emotions. I know the man behind the headlines. I see the pain in his eyes. I see the strength it takes him to wake up every day,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Blessing CEO has taken a bold and controversial stance in this ongoing saga. Shortly after the 2022 incident, she shocked fans by revealing that she was in a relationship with IVD. At the time, many criticized her for being insensitive and clout-chasing, with some accusing her of using Bimbo’s tragic death to build her brand. However, Blessing remained firm in her belief that IVD was being wrongly vilified and maintained that he had never harmed her.
This latest arrest, however, threatens to undo whatever public sympathy IVD may have quietly regained in the months that followed the tragedy. Legal experts suggest that his arrest could indicate that new evidence has emerged or that a previously stalled investigation is now picking up steam. For a man already dealing with the collapse of his once-thriving business empire, the legal battle ahead could be long and grueling. What role Blessing CEO will play in this new chapter remains to be seen, but she has made it clear that she’s not walking away.
In a voice note she shared with her inner circle, now circulating online, Blessing is heard saying: “This is not just about IVD anymore. This is about fighting a system that wants to silence people without hearing their truth. If I have to stand alone with him, I will.” Her defiance is loud, but so is the backlash.
Women's rights activists and domestic violence advocacy groups have wasted no time calling her out. Some argue that her defense of IVD is not only damaging but also dangerous, as it risks sending the wrong message to victims of domestic abuse. “When public figures defend alleged abusers without full knowledge of the legal outcome, it discourages victims from speaking out. It reinforces a culture of silence and shame,” said a statement from the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
Yet, in a country where celebrity drama often overshadows systemic issues, the story of IVD and Blessing CEO continues to evolve as one of the most polarizing in recent memory. It is no longer just about a man accused of violence or a woman defending her love—it is a battle for public opinion, truth, accountability, and perhaps, redemption.
With court dates looming and media attention intensifying, the coming weeks promise more revelations, more headlines, and more heat. Whether Blessing CEO’s loyalty will withstand the pressure, or if IVD will finally get his day in court to clear his name or face the consequences, one thing is clear: the story is far from over. And Nigeria is watching.