The trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, a driver accused of murdering his employer, Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly known as Clarence James, has commenced at the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division, presided over by Honourable Justice H. O. Akpotohwo.
Bishop Okonkwo, a Pentecostal cleric and founder of End-Reconciliation Ministry, Asaba, was allegedly murdered in his residence in Ibusa, near Asaba, on May 12, 2026.
At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecution team, led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, alongside Mrs Juliet Akpomiemie, Deputy Director; Ifeanyi Uduaghan, Principal State Counsel; and Faith Beluchukwu, pupil State counsel, all of the Delta State Ministry of Justice called its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth, to testify.
In his testimony, Pastor Wealth told the court that he owned the agency through which the defendant, Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, was employed as a driver.
He further testified that barely three weeks after the defendant commenced work, he received a telephone call informing him that Obiagwu had allegedly killed his employer, Bishop Okonkwo.
The prosecution alleged that the bishop was attacked and struck to death with a pestle inside his residence before he reportedly fled with his Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and mobile phones.
The defendant and his brother were subsequently arrested in Nkpor, Ndemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to sell the stolen vehicle for ₦10 million, according to reports surrounding the incident.
The defendant reportedly claimed during police interrogation that armed kidnappers had forced him to cooperate in the attack, blindfolded him and gained access to the premises.
Late Bishop Okonkwo, who also served as Deputy Chairman of the Ibusa Indigenous Ministers Association, was widely known within the Christian community.
The case has attracted public attention, with members of the Ibusa Christian community calling for justice over the killing.
The matter was adjourned to November 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing, with the prosecution expected to call four additional witnesses as proceedings resume.
