Murder of Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo: Delta Govt Commences Trial of Suspect

The trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, a driver accused of murdering his employer, Pentecostal cleric Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly known as Clarence James, has commenced at the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division.

The proceedings, presided over by Justice H. O. Akpotohwo, began with the prosecution calling its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth, to testify in the case concerning the alleged killing of the cleric at his residence in Ibusa, near Asaba, on May 12, 2026.

Bishop Okonkwo was the founder of End-Reconciliation Ministry, Asaba, and also served as Deputy Chairman of the Ibusa Indigenous Ministers Association.

The prosecution team was led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the 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.

First Witness Testifies on Defendant’s Employment

In his testimony, Pastor Wealth told the court that he owned the agency through which Obiagwu was employed as a driver.

He further stated that barely three weeks after the defendant began working, he received a telephone call informing him that Obiagwu had allegedly killed his employer, Bishop Okonkwo.

According to the prosecution’s account, the bishop was attacked and struck to death with a pestle inside his residence. The defendant was also alleged to have fled with the deceased’s Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and mobile phones.

Defendant and Brother Arrested in Anambra

Reports surrounding the incident indicated that Obiagwu and his brother were subsequently arrested in Nkpor, Ndemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to sell the vehicle for ₦10 million.

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.

These claims form part of the circumstances surrounding the case, which is now before the court for determination.

Hearing Adjourned to November 26

The case has attracted public attention, particularly among members of the Ibusa Christian community, who have called for justice over the death of the cleric.

The court adjourned the matter to November 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing, with the prosecution expected to call four additional witnesses when proceedings resume.