Book of evidence served on man accused of manslaughter of his grandmother at their Cork home

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo to face trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court

Sergeant Gearóid Davis confirmed service of the book of evidence and applied to have the case sent forward for trial by judge and jury at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 28. Picture: Dan Linehan

A book of evidence was served on Monday on a 38-year-old man accused of the unlawful killing of his grandmother in Carrigaline in February.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo appeared at Cork District Court on Monday by video link from prison on the manslaughter charge.

The charge states that on February 25, 2025, at 17 Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Road, Carrigaline, Co Cork, he did unlawfully kill Stella Ejiatu Nnadi, contrary to common law. He was living at that address at the time.

The book of evidence was served on solicitor Eugene Murphy acting on behalf of the accused in court.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: “There is one count before the court of manslaughter. DPP directions are for trial on indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The DPP also consents to a plea of guilty being entered by the accused, should that arise.” 

Sgt Davis confirmed service of the book of evidence and applied to have the case sent forward for trial by judge and jury at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 28.

Mr Murphy said so far there had been no application for bail by the accused on the manslaughter charge.

Judge Mary Dorgan informed the defendant of his obligation to provide the State with details of any witness he might call if relying on an alibi defence.

Judge Dorgan acceded to the defence application to extend free legal aid for the accused to be represented by a barrister and senior counsel at the circuit court. 

When Mr Murphy applied for this, he said of the accused: “He is long-term unemployed and has serious difficulties with his mental health.” 

Detective Garda Tom Delaney testified when the case first came to court that family members informed gardaí Brian Ogbo suffers from schizophrenia and he allegedly 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,” Det Garda Delaney said.