The Delta State Government has commenced the trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, a driver accused of allegedly murdering his employer, Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly known as Clarence James, at the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division.
The case is being presided over by Honourable Justice H. O. Akpotohwo.
Bishop Okonkwo, a Pentecostal cleric and founder of End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, was allegedly murdered at his residence in Ibusa, near Asaba, on May 12, 2026.
At the commencement of the trial, the prosecution, led by Delta State Solicitor-General, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, called its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth, to testify.
The prosecution team also includes Mrs Juliet Akpomiemie, Deputy Director; Ifeanyi Uduaghan, Principal State Counsel; and Miss Faith Beluchukwu, Pupil State Counsel, all from the Delta State Ministry of Justice. The defendant is being represented by Mr Ofiali of the Legal Aid Council.
During his testimony, Pastor Wealth told the court that he owned the agency through which the defendant was employed as a driver.
He further stated that barely three weeks after Obiagwu resumed work, he received a telephone call informing him that the driver had allegedly killed his employer.
According to the prosecution's account, Bishop Okonkwo was attacked and beaten to death with a pestle inside his residence. The defendant allegedly fled with the bishop's Toyota Land Cruiser and mobile phones.
The defendant and his brother were subsequently arrested in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to sell the vehicle for ₦10 million.
However, during police interrogation, the defendant reportedly claimed that armed kidnappers had forced him to participate in the attack, alleging that they blindfolded him before gaining access to the premises.
In his testimony, Pastor Wealth reportedly told the court that he received a telephone call informing him of the alleged killing.
The matter has attracted considerable public attention, particularly among members of the Ibusa Christian community, who have continued to call for justice for the late cleric.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing, with the prosecution expected to call four additional witnesses.
The defendant remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.