Delta Governor's Aide Criticizes Victim's Family Response
Delta State Governor's aide Ossai Ovie Success has waded into the controversy surrounding content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, known as Odogwu Asaba, who was arrested after a 20-year-old woman named Favour allegedly took her own life following a sexual assault. In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, July 16, Ossai Ovie, who serves as Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, directed sharp criticism at Favour's family, arguing that their response to her ordeal contributed to her tragic death.
Background of the Case
The Delta State Police Command had earlier announced Odogwu Asaba's arrest, stating that Favour travelled to Asaba on June 1, 2026, after seeing an advertisement for his content creation training. Police alleged she was taken to a hotel where she was assaulted. She subsequently recorded a video describing what happened before ingesting a toxic substance. Commissioner of Police CP Yemi Oyeniyi confirmed that a full investigation was underway, with the police statement signed by spokesperson SP Bright Edafe.
Ossai Ovie's Criticism of the Family
Ossai Ovie stated that, based on Favour's own account in the video she recorded before her death, her parents were aware she had been sexually violated but chose not to report the matter to a hospital or the police. He noted that Favour told her mother what had happened, and her mother's response was to send her bus fare back to Warri rather than encourage her to seek help in Asaba. "As a mother, she should have asked her to go to the nearest police station while she looked for ways to join her in Asaba, instead of sending her transport fare to return to Warri," he wrote.
The media personality also suggested the family may have responded by placing blame on the victim for travelling to meet the suspect, which he strongly criticised. "In a situation like this, you don't blame the victim first, you do everything possible for her to get treatment as justice," he added.
Correct Steps for Families
Ossai Ovie outlined what he described as the correct steps for families responding to sexual assault cases: immediate medical attention, a formal police report, and counselling. He warned that handling such matters privately denies victims both justice and healing.
Pledge to Seek Justice
Despite his criticism of the victim's family, Ossai Ovie said he would personally follow up on the matter to ensure they receive full justice. He also stated that Odogwu Asaba should face the full weight of the law, writing that the suspect "should, by no means, be granted any freedom in his life." The governor's aide added that future posts would address how Favour herself, Ogbonna, and an activist she initially contacted each played a role in how the situation unfolded.
