The Delta State Police Command has arrested popular Asaba-based content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, widely known as “Odogwu of Asaba,” following allegations that he raped a 20-year-old woman who later died by suicide after recording a video accusing him of the assault.
Police confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, saying the suspect is being investigated over a petition filed after the death of the young woman, identified simply as Favour from Warri. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the woman travelled from Warri to Asaba after the content creator allegedly invited her with the promise of mentoring her in content creation. Investigators alleged that after arriving in Asaba, she was taken to a hotel where she was sexually assaulted and physically abused before returning home.
Before her death, Favour recorded an emotional video in which she accused the content creator of assaulting her. In the recording, she claimed she had sought his advice and financial assistance during a difficult period and accepted his invitation to Asaba after he allegedly offered to help her without mentioning any sexual demands.
She said she believed she would be safe because of his public profile and alleged that he later demanded sex after taking her to a hotel. According to the police, she later informed her parents about the incident before ingesting a toxic substance. Despite efforts to save her, she died.
Following a petition from the family, Delta State Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi directed the Area Commander in Effurun to begin an immediate investigation. The probe led to the arrest of Ogbonna, who police said has made statements to investigators as inquiries continue.
A separate video released by the police appears to show the handcuffed suspect speaking to two individuals believed to be the deceased’s parents inside a police facility. In the footage, he described the incident as “a very terrible mistake.” Police have not disclosed further details regarding the context of the statement.
The Delta State Police Command assured the victim’s family and the public that the investigation would be thorough and impartial. Authorities said no aspect of the allegations would be overlooked as detectives continue gathering evidence.
The case has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice and urging young people to exercise caution when accepting invitations from individuals they meet online.
