The family of the late Bimbo Ogbonna, wife of celebrity auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna aka IVD, has accused the businessman of her death in a statement released on Monday.
They asked the public to join in praying for the repose of Mrs Ogbonna’s soul.
Mrs Ogbonna is alleged to have died from severe burns following a fire incident at their Lekki house in Lagos. The tragic incident is happening two years after the couple publicly reconciled following allegations of domestic violence made against IVD.
The deceased’s family said in the statement that IVD is currently on the run.
“As you may be aware, on Saturday 15th October 2022, Abimbola Martins passed away after suffering fatal burns in a fire incident at her Lagos home,” the statement said.
“It has been a heartbreaking period for her parents, siblings and particularly, her children. It is a tragedy that nobody should go through, especially in the painful manner her life was cut short and at the hands of a husband she dedicated her life to.
“We are appreciative of the comments of millions of Nigerians who have expressed thoughts and prayers, as well as anger that a beautiful life was brought to an end through well-documented domestic violence. Several times during the course of their marriage, we intervened in a bid to rescue her from a terrible situation that ultimately has now taken her life. Abimbola was a loving individual and a committed wife and mother, who put the desire that her children were raised by two parents before her own peace of mind, happiness and well-being.
“The perpetrator of this dastardly act, her husband of 16 years, Ikenna Darryl Ogbonna, an auto dealer widely known as IVD, is currently on the run, hoping to evade justice. We know that it won’t be forever.
“As the family tries to come to terms with this terrible loss, we want to appeal to members of the public to join us in demanding that justice is done. We are currently working with law enforcement to ensure that Ikenna Darryl Ogbonna is found and made to answer for his crime.”
The family called on the public to pray for the “five young children who have lost their mother in a most tragic manner.”
