Delta Pastor Arraigned for Assaulting Journalist-Tenant

A magistrate court in Asaba, Delta State, has arraigned Pastor Sunday Ogbogho, a cleric with a popular Pentecostal church, for allegedly assaulting his tenant, journalist Kenneth Orusi.

According to court filings, the incident occurred on July 27, 2025, at No. 5 Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba, where Ogbogho, who is also the landlord, allegedly attacked Orusi with a hard object resembling a wheel spanner, inflicting head injuries.

In charge file No. 367 before Magistrate Court 4, Asaba, the police prosecutor accused Ogbogho of committing an offence punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel informed the court that Ogbogho is a landlord in Asaba and presented a proposed surety. The court granted bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety who must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 12. The surety must also present a valid identification card, appointment and promotion letters, a current payslip, and a sworn affidavit, and must undergo residence verification by both court and police officers.

However, the magistrate cautioned against certain categories of sureties, stressing that officials “who work in the field” are often difficult to trace when defendants abscond.

“When you take someone on bail, you are telling the court you will ensure they attend trial until the case is disposed of,” the magistrate said. “We have had cases where sureties vanish when defendants jump bail.”

Issuing a stern reminder that “justice is not for sale,” the magistrate warned against offering money to court staff, lawyers, or anyone claiming influence over the bench. The matter was adjourned until August 25, 2025, for hearing.