Delta courtroom begins trial of driver over alleged homicide of his employer, Bishop Clarence Okonkwo

The trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu (m), a driver accused of murdering his employer, Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly generally known as Clarence James, has commenced on the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division, presided over by Honourable Justice H. O. Akpotohwo.

The Delta State Ministry of Justice made the announcement in an announcement on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

At the graduation of proceedings, the prosecution workforce, led by the Solicitor-General of Delta State, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, and comprising Mrs Juliet Akpomiemie, Deputy Director; Ifeanyi Uduaghan, Principal State Counsel; and Miss Faith Beluchukwu, Pupil State Counsel, all the Delta State Ministry of Justice, referred to as its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth, to testify. Mr Ofiali of the Legal Aid Council represented the defendant.

In his testimony, Pastor Wealth informed the Court that he owned the company that employed the Defendant, Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, as a driver.

He additional testified that, barely three weeks after the Defendant commenced work, he obtained a phone name informing him that Obiagwu had allegedly killed his employer, Bishop Okonkwo.

The prosecution alleged that the Bishop was attacked and overwhelmed to demise with a pestle by the defendant inside his residence earlier than he reportedly fled in his Toyota Land Cruiser with the bishop’s cell phones.

The defendant and his brother had been later arrested in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, whereas allegedly attempting to promote the stolen automobile for N10 million.

The defendant reportedly claimed throughout police interrogation that armed kidnappers had compelled him to cooperate within the assault, blindfolded him and gained entry to the premises.

The late Bishop Okonkwo, who additionally served as Deputy Chairman of the Ibusa Indigenous Ministers Association, was extensively recognized inside the Christian Community.

The case has attracted public consideration, with members of the Ibusa Christian neighborhood calling for justice over the killing.

The matter was adjourned to November 26, 2026, to proceed the listening to, with the prosecution anticipated to name extra witnesses when proceedings resume.