By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Delta State High Court has rejected the bail application filed for Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as Odogwu Asaba, who is facing allegations connected to the death of Favour Agbro.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after lawyers representing the defendant presented arguments in support of his bail application.

The court ordered that Ogbonna remain in custody at the Ogwashi-Uku Maximum Correctional Centre.

It also directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file the formal charge, known as the Information, within 14 days.

According to a statement from Ogbonna’s legal representatives, Triple O and C Chambers, the court declined to grant bail at this stage, citing concerns surrounding the defendant’s safety and possible public reaction while the Information had yet to be filed.

However, the court stated that Ogbonna could apply for bail again after the DPP files the Information.

Ogbonna was represented in court by Ugochukwu Okoli, N.N. Onuzurike and C.S. Chukwudolue. Dr R.O. Ishiguzo, a law officer with the Nigeria Police Force, State CID, Asaba, appeared for the respondent.

The development was also confirmed by Awele Ideal, a lawyer representing Favour Agbro’s family on a pro bono basis.

Ideal said the bail application was heard before the court eventually ruled against releasing Ogbonna on bail. She reaffirmed her commitment to representing Favour’s family in the case.

Comrade Deo, a human rights advocate involved in calls for justice for Favour, described the ruling as part of the judicial process.

He commended Ideal for representing the deceased’s family and challenging the bail application.

Deo also alleged that activists had worked with the police while tracking Ogbonna’s movements before his arrest in Asaba.

However, he stressed that the court’s decision to deny bail should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.

“The refusal of bail is not a conviction, and the allegations against the accused remain allegations until determined by the court,” he said.

The case is expected to move forward once the DPP files the Information. Ogbonna will then have the opportunity to renew his application for bail.

Until the allegations are determined by the court, Ogbonna remains presumed innocent under the law.