The Magistrate Court 1 in Asaba witnessed intense courtroom proceedings on Monday as Pastor Sunday Ogbogho of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was arraigned on charges of assaulting one Kenneth Orusi.
According to the charge sheet, the incident allegedly occurred on July 27, 2025, at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba. The prosecution claims that Pastor Ogbogho struck Orusi on the head with a wheel spanner, causing bodily harm — an offence punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code.
Upon hearing the charge, the defendant pleaded not guilty. His legal counsel, identified as Chris, informed the court that Ogbogho is a resident landlord in Asaba and presented a surety—a Grade Level 17 officer.
The surety introduced himself as both an engineer and a pastor, as well as the Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency. He assured the court of his commitment to ensuring the defendant’s appearance throughout the trial. However, the Magistrate expressed reservations, citing previous cases where sureties with field-based roles became difficult to trace after defendants absconded.
“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.
Following deliberations, the court granted Pastor Ogbogho bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a responsible citizen residing within the court’s jurisdiction and a civil servant not below Grade Level 12. The court also mandated the submission of several documents: an appointment letter, a promotion letter, an office ID, a payslip, and either a national identity card or a voter’s card. Affidavits, verification of residence, and passport photographs of both the surety and the defendant were also required.
In a strong statement against corruption, the Magistrate issued a firm 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 matter has been adjourned to August 25, 2025, for hearing.
