ASABA/Nigeria: The Magistrates’ Court sitting in Asaba has adjourned to November 7, 2025, the criminal trial of Pastor Sunday Ogbogho of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who is being prosecuted for allegedly assaulting journalist Kenneth Orusi with tools, including a spanner.
Pastor Ogbogho was first arraigned on August 11, 2025, before Magistrate Court 4 in Asaba, over the attack which reportedly occurred on July 27 at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba, leaving the journalist with head injuries and a bite wound. The case is being handled under Case File No. 367/2025, with Mr. Alex Ibe appearing as the police prosecutor.
According to the charge read in court, the cleric is accused of assault occasioning harm, an offence contrary to Section 355 of the Criminal Code. He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The defence counsel, identified simply as Chris, informed the court that Ogbogho is a landlord in Asaba and presented a surety, Engineer Pastor Edih Commissioner, who is the Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency (DLA).
The presiding Magistrate raised concerns about accepting sureties from government field officers, warning that such persons often become difficult to trace if defendants jump bail. “When you take someone on bail, you are telling the court you will ensure they attend trial until the case is disposed of. We have had cases where sureties vanish when defendants abscond,” the Magistrate cautioned.
Despite the reservations, bail was granted to Pastor Ogbogho in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum. The court directed that the surety must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 12, and provide a valid ID, appointment and promotion letters, a current payslip, sworn affidavit, as well as undergo residence verification by both the court and police officers.
In a stern warning, the Magistrate reminded parties that “justice is not for sale,” cautioning against attempts to bribe court staff, lawyers, or middlemen who might claim influence over judicial proceedings.
The matter, initially fixed for August 25, 2025, could not proceed due to the absence of the police prosecutor, and was adjourned to November 7 for continuation of hearing.
