Man accused of dragging grandmother down stairs two days before she died

Olivia Kelleher

A man in his 30s who is accused of dragging his 82 year old grandmother head first down the stairs at her home two days before she died has appeared in court charged with assault causing harm.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo (38) was charged with assault causing harm to Nigerian woman Stella Nnamdi at a sitting of Cork District Court on Thursday.

The alleged assault occurred on February 23rd last at Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Road, in Carrigaline, Co Cork.

Mr Nnamdi Ogbo was living onsite when the alleged offence occurred having arrived in the country late last year from Nigeria.

Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Det Garda Tom Delaney.

Det Garda Delaney said that Mr Nnamdi Ogbo made no reply when the charge was put to him under caution at 10.26pm yesterday at Togher Garda Station.

An objection to bail was made by gardai arising out of the seriousness of the charge. Det Garda Delaney said that the mother of the accused, Ruby Nnamdi, called 999 on Sunday.

She alleged that her son Brian was attacking her. It is further alleged that Mr Nnamdi Ogbo produced a knife in the course of the domestic dispute.

Det Garda Delaney said that Mr Nnamdi Ogbo allegedly dragged his grandmother down the stairs by the head. Neither Ruby or Stella Nnadi required hospitalisation on Sunday.

However, Dt Garda Delaney said the condition of Stella Nnadi Ogbo deteriorated and she died in hospital on Tuesday. Mr Nnamdi Ogbo was arrested on suspicion of murder later that day.

Dt Garda Delaney said that an objection was being made to bail being granted in the case arising out of the seriousness of the charge.

He stated that Mr Nnamdi Ogbo was “caught red handed” and “corroborated the facts alleged” during a garda interview.

Det Garda Delaney also indicated that Mr Nnamdi Ogbo was a flight risk.

“He came to Ireland to seek international protection but there is no record of visa or travel documents.”

He stated that the accused was without ties to the jurisdiction. He also spoke of the gravity of the offences.

“An 82 year old woman was dragged down the stairs. (In (the course of the interview) he said she could do something like this again. There is a significant risk to family members.”

He said that the accused was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia. Dt Garda Delaney added that further more serious charges could follow.

Mr Nnamdi Ogbo gave an undertaking not to interfere with witnesses and to turn up for all of his court appearances if granted bail in the case.

He said that he was taking medication for schizophrenia and depression and required help. Mr Nnamdi Ogbo added that he had never been in trouble in his life and came in to the country legally.

Defence solicitor Donal Daly said that his client had co operated fully with gardai during his period of dentition.

“He has no previous convictions in this State. There was no sign of aggression (during the Garda interview.)”

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody to appear before Cork District Court on March 6th last. She directed that he receive all necessary medical intervention in custody after an application was made about same by Mr Daly.

Meanwhile, the home of Stella Nnamdi in Carrigaline has been technically examined as part of the garda investigation in to her death.

A post mortem examination was carried out at Cork University Hospital by State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers. The results have not been released for operational reasons.

A family liaison officer has been assigned to provide support and information to the deceased’s family. An inquest will take place in due course.