JUSTICE Jude Obiora of an Anambra State High Court in Awka, on Thursday, June 3,ordered the remand of an Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as Muomiri Afuluanya, at the Amawbia Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings in his trial.
Justice Obiora gave the order after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution during proceedings on June 3.
Ezenagu, who was brought to court from the hospital, had through his Counsel, Kingsley Awuka, applied for bail on health grounds and requested permission to remain in the hospital until the next adjourned date.
However, prosecuting Counsel, Tobechukwu Nweke, opposed the application, urging the court to remand the defendant, pending the determination of the bail motion.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora held that a hospital was not a recognised facility for the detention of an accused person and ordered that Ezenagu be remanded in a correctional facility.
He subsequently adjourned the matter until June 19, for continuation of proceedings.
The case was first brought before the court on April 23, but Ezenagu’s arraignment could not proceed due to his alleged ill-health, as he appeared visibly frail and was assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, prompting concerns about his fitness to stand trial.
The Judge then ruled that he was not medically fit to take his plea and adjourned the matter to allow him receive medical attention.
Recall that Ezenagu was arrested on March 26, this year, by operatives of the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, over allegations of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law.
Following his arrest, a search was conducted on his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations into his activities.
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