By Veronica Odion, Asaba

Content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as Odogwu Asaba, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and manslaughter before a Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba.

Ogbonna entered his plea before Justice Michael Nduka Obi in connection with the death of 20-year-old Favour Agbro in June 2026.

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News Gleaner NG reports that the prosecution team, led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), alongside Ugochukwu Okolotu, Principal State Counsel, and Awele Ideal, counsel for the nominal complainant, confirmed that the defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Speaking after the proceedings, the prosecution noted that the defendant was presumed innocent under the law and that the state had been directed to present its witnesses at the next sitting.

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The prosecution said the court had granted it seven days to file witness depositions, adding that the matter had been adjourned until October 28, 2026, for further proceedings.

According to the prosecution, the short adjournment reflected the court’s interest in ensuring that the case proceeds without unnecessary delay.

Investigators had alleged that Agbro travelled from Ughelli to Asaba on June 1, 2026, after Ogbonna reportedly offered to train her in content creation.

It was further alleged that the defendant took her to a hotel, where he reportedly subjected her to physical and sexual assault.

Ogbonna was arrested in July 2026. He was subsequently denied bail on September 15, 2026, and remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Maximum Correctional Centre following the release of autopsy and toxicology reports relating to the case.

The trial is scheduled to resume on October 28, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to take further steps towards presenting its witnesses.