Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna (IVD)

Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna, widely known as IVD, is a Lagos-based luxury auto dealer, entrepreneur, and social media personality. Born on May 15, 1985, in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria, IVD gained prominence in Nigeria’s auto dealership industry, specializing in high-end cars. However, his career has been overshadowed by a string of controversies, most notably surrounding the tragic death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in October 2022. Allegations of domestic violence, legal battles, and accusations of police cover-ups have kept his name in the public eye, polarizing public opinion.

Early Life and Family

Ikechukwu Ogbonna was born and raised in Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria, into a middle-class Igbo family. His father, Mr. Ogbonna Emmanuel, was a businessman, while his mother, Mrs. Ugonma Ogbonna, was a trader. IVD is the first of four children.

He attended Ohafia Central School and later Community Secondary School, Ohafia, where he showed an early interest in entrepreneurship. Though his academic journey was modest, his determination to build a successful career eventually led him into the luxury auto dealership business.

Career

Rise in the Auto Industry

IVD started his career by selling used cars in Aba, Abia State, before relocating to Lagos in 2010. He established IVD Autos, which specializes in selling luxury vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Range Rover. His strategic use of social media, along with endorsements from Nigerian celebrities like Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Zlatan Ibile, helped him build a strong brand in the competitive auto industry.

IVD’s charismatic personality and flashy lifestyle contributed to his public profile, making him a prominent figure among Nigeria’s elite.

Personal Life

Marriage to Bimbo Ogbonna

Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, married his longtime partner, Abimbola Martins-Ogbonna, in 2009. The couple had five children together and often portrayed a picture-perfect lifestyle on social media, showcasing luxury cars, expensive vacations, and a thriving family life. Bimbo, a businesswoman in her own right, was known to assist in managing aspects of IVD Autos, their family business.

Behind the scenes, however, the relationship was allegedly fraught with tension, emotional distress, and accusations of abuse. Friends and family members of Bimbo had, on multiple occasions, claimed she endured years of domestic violence. Videos and voice notes leaked online in the months before her death appeared to support these allegations. Bimbo herself had once accused her husband of infidelity and battery during an emotional outburst captured on social media in 2020, which resurfaced after her death.

Tragic Death of Bimbo Ogbonna

On October 12, 2022, a distressing incident occurred at the couple’s residence in Lekki, Lagos State. Bimbo sustained severe burns during a fire outbreak that was reportedly triggered by a violent domestic altercation. According to her family, Bimbo had confronted IVD over ongoing issues in their marriage. Eyewitness accounts and voice notes shared by her siblings indicated she had allegedly poured fuel on herself in the heat of the argument, threatening self-harm. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a fire that engulfed part of their home.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Bimbo succumbed to her injuries on October 15, 2022. Her passing sparked national outrage. Hashtags such as #JusticeForBimbo trended across social media platforms, with many Nigerians condemning gender-based violence and calling for a thorough investigation into her death.

Celebrities, activists, and public figures weighed in. Actress Anita Joseph and activist Harrison Gwamnishu were among those who demanded accountability. Gwamnishu specifically cited multiple witness testimonies and previous abuse reports as grounds for a police inquiry.

Legal and Public Fallout

Following Bimbo’s death, IVD was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command and later released on bail. He was accused of culpable homicide and had to defend himself against intense public scrutiny. The Lagos State Government, through the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), eventually filed charges of involuntary manslaughter against him.

In the days following her death, Bimbo’s brother, Oyindamola Martins, released WhatsApp chats and voice notes that painted a haunting picture of abuse and psychological torment. These recordings were widely circulated and served as the basis for much of the public’s reaction.

IVD denied the allegations, insisting he was a victim of a toxic and mentally unstable partner. He went on to accuse Bimbo’s family of manipulation and extortion, further fueling the controversy.

Blessing CEO’s Involvement

The situation took another turn when self-proclaimed relationship expert Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, publicly defended IVD and later confirmed they were romantically involved. Her defense of IVD in the wake of his late wife’s death drew significant backlash. Critics accused her of insensitivity and exploiting the tragedy for personal gain. Her public statement claiming Bimbo was “the toxic one” was particularly inflammatory and led to multiple petitions calling for her social media accounts to be taken down.

Public Reactions and Legacy

Bimbo’s death became a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing conversations around domestic abuse, mental health, and the glamorization of toxic relationships on social media. Many advocacy groups used her story to amplify campaigns on intimate partner violence and called for better legal protections for women.

Despite the noise, one thing remains certain: Bimbo Ogbonna’s death left a lasting impact. Her tragic end became a symbol of the hidden horrors that can exist behind curated online personas, and her case remains a reference point in discussions of marital abuse in Nigeria.

Controversies and Scandals

Accusations of Domestic Violence and Negligence

Bimbo’s family has consistently accused IVD of domestic violence, claiming that her death was the culmination of years of abuse. Her brother, Wisdom Martins, publicly alleged that IVD manipulated and physically abused Bimbo throughout their marriage.

Accusations of Police Cover-Up

In 2023, Bimbo’s family accused the police of attempting to shield IVD from accountability by changing the charges against him from manslaughter to negligence, a lesser offense that is bailable. They alleged that a retired police commissioner (whose name remains undisclosed) acted as IVD’s “godfather” and orchestrated efforts to coerce the family into an out-of-court settlement.

The Martins family also accused IVD of hiding at the retired commissioner’s residence after the fire incident. They claimed that strangers, not IVD, rushed Bimbo to the hospital, while IVD absconded and later claimed he was seeking financial help for her treatment.

Intimidation and Allegations of Theft

In the aftermath of Bimbo’s death, her mother, Mrs. Comfort Martins, and brother, Wisdom, were arrested following a petition filed by IVD, accusing them of stealing $20,000 from his residence. The Martins family dismissed the accusation as baseless, alleging that it was part of a larger intimidation strategy.

Pressure for Out-of-Court Settlement

The Martins family revealed that the police and IVD’s associates pressured them to accept an out-of-court settlement, which included an offer to establish a trust fund for the children and grant IVD access to them. The family rejected this, stating, “We want justice to run its course, and if Ogbonna is culpable in our daughter’s death, he should face the penalty.”

Relationship with Blessing CEO

In January 2025, controversial Nigerian businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, and relationship therapist Blessing Okoro—widely known as Blessing CEO—publicly confirmed their romantic relationship during a widely watched live interview. The revelation came months after a firestorm of media scrutiny surrounding the tragic death of IVD’s late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna.

Blessing CEO emerged as one of IVD’s most vocal defenders amid the backlash, consistently arguing that he had been misunderstood and unfairly demonized by both the media and the public. She asserted that the narrative surrounding Bimbo’s death was biased and incomplete, further stating that IVD was a victim of public persecution. Her unwavering support for him, however, sparked significant controversy. Many Nigerians criticized her for what they viewed as blatant insensitivity and victim-blaming, particularly as Bimbo’s family continued to demand justice and accountability.

As the months passed, IVD and Blessing CEO became increasingly open about their relationship. They were frequently seen together on social media, posting affectionate videos and photos that showed them professing love, cuddling, and appearing deeply involved. These public displays of affection drew mixed reactions—while some followers praised their transparency and courage in the face of criticism, others saw it as tone-deaf and provocative, especially given the unresolved nature of the legal and emotional fallout from Bimbo’s case.

In a particularly viral moment, images surfaced showing IVD appearing to propose to Blessing CEO, sparking further debate. While it was unclear whether the proposal was genuine or part of a promotional stunt, the imagery added fuel to an already heated discourse about morality, justice, and public perception in Nigeria’s influencer culture.

Their relationship remains one of the most polarizing in recent celebrity news, with supporters hailing it as a story of love after pain, and critics calling it a brazen show of disregard for a still-grieving family.

Timeline of IVD and Blessing CEO’s Relationship:

• Late 2022: Bimbo Ogbonna, IVD’s wife, tragically dies following a domestic incident and fire outbreak. The case garners national attention, with IVD accused of domestic abuse. Public outrage ensues.
• Early to Mid 2023: Blessing CEO begins publicly defending IVD on social media, claiming he is being unfairly judged. She argues that the public lacks full knowledge of what transpired.
• Late 2023: Speculation begins about a romantic relationship between Blessing CEO and IVD. Fans notice their growing closeness online and joint public appearances.
• January 1, 2025: IVD seemingly confirms their relationship via an Instagram post, thanking Blessing CEO and calling her “my bestie” and “boo for life.”
  (Source: Linda Ikeji’s Blog)
• January 4, 2025: Blessing CEO officially confirms their relationship in a Facebook Live session with Daddy Freeze, further defending IVD and addressing rumors.
  (Source: Daily Post Nigeria)
• April 14, 2025: A video of IVD proposing to Blessing CEO on a beach surfaces online. Blessing shares the moment with followers, captioning her post: “I SAID YES.”
  (Source: Linda Ikeji’s Blog, Legit.ng)
• April 15, 2025: The engagement goes viral, sparking mixed reactions from the public. While some celebrate the union, others criticize it as insensitive due to the unresolved controversy surrounding Bimbo’s death.

Rumors and Gossip

IVD has faced allegations of ties to organized crime, fraudulent car sales, and money laundering. Additionally, his flamboyant lifestyle has led to speculation about the sources of his wealth. While these claims remain unsubstantiated, they have contributed to the public’s divided perception of him.

Associations with other influential Figures

• Davido (David Adeleke): IVD is known to have sold luxury cars to the Nigerian music star, fostering a professional relationship.
• Blessing CEO (Okoro Blessing Nkiruka): Their controversial romantic relationship has dominated headlines since its revelation in 2025.
• Cubana Chief Priest (Pascal Okechukwu): IVD has been associated with the celebrity nightlife entrepreneur at high-profile events.

Awards and Recognition

Despite his controversies, IVD has been recognized for his contributions to the auto industry, receiving awards such as:

• Luxury Auto Dealer of the Year (2020) – Nigeria Business Leaders Summit

Legacy and Public Image

Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna’s life is a complex narrative of professional success and personal turmoil. While his career achievements have made him a prominent figure in Nigeria’s luxury auto industry, his personal life remains mired in scandal and controversy. His ongoing legal battles and public disputes have left his legacy hanging in the balance, with justice for Bimbo Ogbonna remaining a critical point of public interest.

References

1. Akonthe, M. (2025, January 4). “We are dating and hope to get married” Blessing CEO confirms relationship with IVD. Glamsquad Magazine. Retrieved from https://glamsquadmagazine.com/we-are-dating-and-hope-to-get-married-blessing-ceo-confirms-relationship-with-ivd/ (“We are dating and hope to get married” Blessing CEO confirms …)
2. Tori.ng. (2025, January 1). The Man I Met Is A Sweet Soul – Blessing CEO Professes Her Love To Businessman IVD As She Comes Public With Their Romance. Retrieved from https://www.tori.ng/news/291605/the-man-i-met-is-a-sweet-soul-blessing-ceo-profess.html (The Man I Met Is A Sweet Soul – Blessing CEO Professes Her Love To …)
3. Punch Newspapers. (2025, January). There’s nothing wrong dating my client as therapist — Blessing CEO. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/theres-nothing-wrong-dating-my-client-as-therapist-blessing-ceo/ (blessing ceo Archives – Punch Newspapers)
4. Voice of Naija. (2023, November 13). Blessing CEO Finally Speaks On Alleged Relationship With IVD. Retrieved from https://voiceofnaija.ng/2023/11/13/blessing-ceo-finally-speaks-on-alleged-relationship-with-ivd/ (Blessing CEO Finally Speaks On Alleged Relationship With IVD – VONa …)
5. Gistlover. (2025, February 3). Relationship Therapist Blessing CEO & IVD gush over each other. Retrieved from https://www.gistlover.com/relationship-therapist-blessing-ceo-ivd-gush-over-each-other/ (Relationship Therapist Blessing CEO & IVD gush over each other)
6. Gistmania. (2025, April 15). Newly Engaged Blessing CEO Recounts How She Met And Fell in Love With Fiance IVD. Retrieved from https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,618607.0.html (Newly Engaged Blessing CEO Recounts How She Met And Fell in Love With …)
7. Kemi Filani News. (2023, May 23). Blessing CEO marks 34th birthday with brand new car from alleged lover, IVD’s auto company. Retrieved from https://www.kemifilani.ng/entertainment/blessing-ceo-marks-34th-birthday-with-brand-new-car-from-alleged-lover-ivds-auto-company (Blessing CEO marks 34th birthday with brand new car from alleged lover …)
8. Linda Ikeji’s Blog. (2023, May 23). ”You are my G for life”- Businessman, IVD celebrates relationship expert, Blessing CEO as she turns a year older. Retrieved from https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2023/5/you-are-my-g-for-life-businessman-ivd-celebrates-relationship-expert-blessing-ceo-as-she-turns-a-year-older.html (”You are my G for life”- Businessman, IVD celebrates relationship …)

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