By Matthias Ogbagah & Justina Alero
ASABA – Magistrates Court sitting in Asaba has arraigned a Redeemed Christian Church of God cleric, Pastor Sunday Ogbogho for allegedly assaulting a journalist Kenneth Orusi, in Delta State, with tools including a wheel spanner, causing head injuries in an incident that occurred on July 27, 2025, at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba.
The charge, recorded under Case File No. 367 at the Magistrate Court 4, Asaba, with Mr. Alex Ibe, as the Police Prosecutor, read in open court, accused Ogbogho of committing an offence punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code. The cleric pleaded not guilty.
Defence counsel, identified as Chris, informed the court that the defendant is a landlord in Asaba and presented a surety, Engineer Pastor Edih Commissioner, Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Asaba.
However, the Magistrate expressed caution over sureties from certain government agencies, noting that officials “who work in the field” are often difficult to trace when defendants abscond.
“When you take someone on bail, you are telling the court you will ensure they attend trial until the case is disposed of,” the Magistrate warned. “We have had cases where sureties vanish when defendants jump bail.”
Despite the concerns, the court granted Ogbogho bail for ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum.
The surety must be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 12, present valid identification, appointment and promotion letters, a current payslip, and an affidavit, as well as undergo residence verification by the court and police officers.
The Magistrate issued a stern reminder that “justice is not for sale”, warning against offering money to court staff, lawyers, or anyone claiming influence over the bench.
The case has been adjourned to August 25, 2025, for hearing.
The arraignment has sparked public debate over the moral responsibility of religious leaders and the safety of journalists in the line of duty, with observers calling for a thorough trial and strict adherence to the rule of law.
