Advocates gathered outside the Lagos High Court in Ikeja today, calling for justice for Bimbo Ogbonna, whose death in 2022 has become a symbol of the fight against domestic violence. The trial, which was set to begin today, has been postponed to November 27, 2024, prompting fresh calls for a more efficient judicial process.
Bimbo, the wife of Lagos auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, known as IVD, died from fire-related injuries in October 2022. Her death sparked widespread outrage on social media, focusing attention on domestic violence issues.
Toyin Taiwo Ojo, a gender advocate, expressed frustration over the delays, noting, “Every postponement distances victims’ families from justice.” She called on the government to invest in the judicial system to reduce case backlogs.
Another advocate, Anthonia Ojenagbon, highlighted the emotional toll on families, urging women in abusive relationships to seek safety. “Marriage should not be a death sentence. Leave to live,” she said.
The Lagos State Government ordered a coroner’s inquest following Bimbo’s death and later charged IVD with involuntary manslaughter. Advocates remain committed to seeing justice served and continue to push for judicial reforms to prioritize domestic violence cases.
