Man accused of assaulting grandmother who died two days later in Cork refused bail

At Cork District Court Judge Mary Dorgan said she was refusing bail as there was a possibility of interference with witnesses.

A man accused of assault causing harm on Sunday morning to his 82-year-old grandmother, who died in hospital two days later, was brought before Cork District Court today where there was objection to bail.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo, aged 38, was arrested by Detective Garda Tom Delaney and charged that on February 23 at 17 Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Road, Carrigaline, County Cork, he assaulted Stella Nnamdi causing her harm.

Detective Garda Tom Delaney testified during the objection to bail that this was a charge of assaulting his maternal grandmother causing her harm.

“At around 9am on February 23 at Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Road, Carrigaline, County Cork, his mother Ruby Ogbo made a number of 999 calls that her son attacked both her and her 82-year-old mother.

“Gardaí arrived at the scene and had to restrain him as he was extremely agitated and aggressive. His mother and grandmother managed to flee to a neighbour’s house for safety. Gardaí spoke with them. They informed gardaí that Brian Ogbo suffers from schizophrenia and that her son had produced a knife during the assault.

“It was alleged that he broke into the upstairs bathroom where his grandmother was located and that he dragged her out of the bathroom. He dragged her downstairs. She was off her feet and being dragged headfirst down the stairs and pushed out of the house.

“Nobody required hospitalisation at the time of the occurrence. However, Stella Nnamdi deteriorated and was subsequently taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, and died later that afternoon.

“On February 25, Brian Ogbo was arrested on suspicion of murder and was subsequently detained.

“He made full admissions in respect of the occurrence and corroborated the facts alleged and cooperated with the investigation with his solicitor present in interview.

“We are objecting to bail because of concern that he will interfere with witnesses. During interview he said he could do something like this again.

“He is a Nigerian national with no ties to the jurisdiction. He arrived in the state in December 2024 from Belfast. His reason for coming to Ireland was to seek international protection. He has no status in the state.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan said she was refusing bail in circumstances where there was a possibility of interference with witnesses.

On the application of Sergeant Dave Delea, Judge Dorgan then remanded the accused in custody until March 6.

Free legal was given for Shane Collins Daly solicitor to represent him. Solicitor Donal Daly asked for the accused to be given all necessary medical attention in prison and Judge Dorgan acceded to this application.

The accused agreed that he did need a system of support and that he received help from his family in relation to the taking of medication for his conditions which include schizophrenia, depression and epilepsy.