The trial of Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, a driver accused of murdering his employer, Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, popularly known as Clarence James, has commenced at the Delta State High Court, Ibusa Judicial Division.
The proceedings are being presided over by Justice H. O. Akpotohwo.
The Delta State Ministry of Justice announced the commencement of the trial in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Gists9ja reports that 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 proceedings, the prosecution team, led by the Delta State Solicitor-General, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, presented its first witness, Pastor Tippa Wealth.
Other members of the prosecution team included 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 was represented by Mr Ofiali of the Legal Aid Council.
While giving his testimony, Pastor Wealth told the court that he owned the agency through which Obiagwu was employed as a driver.
He further disclosed that barely three weeks after the defendant resumed work, he received a telephone call informing him that Obiagwu had allegedly killed his employer, Bishop Okonkwo.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly attacked the cleric and beat him to death with a pestle inside his residence before fleeing 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 stolen vehicle for ₦10 million.
However, during police interrogation, Obiagwu reportedly claimed that armed kidnappers had forced him to participate in the attack, allegedly blindfolded him and gained access to the premises.
The late Bishop Okonkwo, who also served as Deputy Chairman of the Ibusa Indigenous Ministers Association, was a recognised figure within the Christian community.
His alleged murder has generated concern among members of the Ibusa Christian community, who have called for justice.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing, with the prosecution expected to present additional witnesses.
