By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Tension gripped Asaba on Monday as Pastor Sunday Ogbogho of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) appeared before a Magistrates’ Court over allegations that he attacked a journalist with a wheel spanner.
The victim, journalist Kenneth Orusi, was reportedly struck on the head during the incident, which occurred on July 27, 2025, at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba.
The case, filed as Case No. 367 at Magistrate Court 4, is being prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Mr. Alex Ibe, who charged Ogbogho under Section 355 of the Criminal Code. The section addresses assault causing harm, with possible imprisonment if convicted.
Pastor Ogbogho pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court. His lawyer, identified as Chris, applied for bail and presented a surety an Engineer Pastor who serves as Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency.
The Magistrate, however, expressed reservations about accepting sureties from “field officers” in certain government agencies, citing past cases where such sureties were difficult to trace when defendants absconded.
“Taking someone on bail is a serious promise that they will come for trial,” the Magistrate said. “We have chased sureties for over a year before without success. We cannot take that risk.”
Bail was eventually granted in the sum of ₦500,000, with one surety in the same amount. The court ordered that the surety must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 12, provide valid official documents, submit two passport photographs each of himself and the defendant, and pass verification checks by both court and police officers.
The Magistrate also issued a strong caution against corruption, warning:
“Justice is not for sale in this court. Do not give money to anyone — not court staff, not lawyers, not people claiming to know the magistrate. We do not take bribes.”
The case was adjourned to August 25, 2025, for hearing.
The incident has stirred public debate about the role of religious leaders in society and the safety of journalists carrying out their duties. Many Nigerians have called for a transparent trial and strict adherence to the rule of law.