By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Magistrate Court 1 in Asaba was thrown into a tense legal drama on Monday as Pastor Sunday Ogbogho of the Redeemed Christian Church of God was arraigned over an alleged violent assault on one Kenneth Orusi.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 27, 2025, at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba. The prosecution alleged that Ogbogho struck Orusi on the head with a wheel spanner, inflicting bodily harm — an offence punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code.
When the charge was read, Ogbogho pleaded “not guilty”. His counsel, identified as Chris, informed the court that the defendant is a landlord in Asaba and presented a surety described as a Grade Level 17 officer.
The surety, who introduced himself as Engineer Pastor and Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency, assured the court of his availability throughout the trial. However, Magistrate expressed caution, citing past experiences where sureties working in “field-based” roles had proven difficult to trace after defendants jumped bail.
“When you take someone on bail, you are telling the court you will ensure they attend trial until the case is concluded. We have had situations where people vanish, and sureties claim they are working in the field. That will not be tolerated here,” the Magistrate warned.
After deliberation, the Magistrate admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a responsible citizen resident within the court’s jurisdiction, a civil servant not below Grade Level 12, and must present multiple official documents including an appointment letter, promotion letter, office ID, payslip, and national identity card or voter’s card. Additional requirements include sworn affidavits, residence verification, and passport photographs of both the surety and the defendant.
In a stern address, the Magistrate also issued a strong anti-corruption warning:
“In this court, justice is not for sale. Do not give money to anybody — whether court staff, someone claiming to know the magistrate, or even a lawyer — to influence justice. We do not accept money here. Do not tempt the court, and the court will not tempt you.”
The case was adjourned to August 25, 2025, for hearing.
