Content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as Odogwu Asaba, has pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of rape and manslaughter before the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba over the death of 20-year-old Favour Agbro.
Ogbonna entered his plea on October 21, 2026, before Justice Michael Nduka Obi, as the case moved into the next stage of proceedings following investigations into Agbro’s death in June.
The prosecution team was led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, alongside officials from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and counsel representing the nominal complainant.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution confirmed that Ogbonna had pleaded not guilty and noted that he remained presumed innocent under the law. The court directed the prosecution to file witness depositions within seven days as preparations continued for the presentation of evidence.
The matter was adjourned until October 28, 2026, for further proceedings, with the prosecution expected to take steps towards presenting its witnesses.
The charges stem from allegations surrounding the circumstances that led to Agbro’s death. According to accounts attributed to investigators, Agbro travelled from Ughelli to Asaba on June 1, 2026, after Ogbonna allegedly offered to train her in content creation.
Investigators further alleged that she was taken to a hotel, where the incidents underlying the sexual-offence charge reportedly occurred. The allegations have not been established in court, and Ogbonna has denied the charges by entering a plea of not guilty.
Ogbonna was arrested in July 2026 as investigations into the case continued. On September 15, the court reportedly declined his bail application, and he remained remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Maximum Correctional Centre.
The investigation included autopsy and toxicology reports relating to Agbro’s death, which were made available to investigators before the case proceeded towards prosecution.
The case has attracted public attention because of Ogbonna’s profile as a content creator and the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death. However, the court is expected to determine the charges based on evidence presented during the trial.
With the next sitting scheduled for October 28, the prosecution is expected to begin taking further steps to establish its case, while the defence will have the opportunity to respond through the judicial process.
Ogbonna remains presumed innocent unless and until the charges against him are proven beyond reasonable doubt before a competent court.
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