An Anambra State High Court in Awka has ordered the continued detention of traditional healer Ikechukwu Ezenagu, also known as Muomiri Afuluanya, at Amawbia Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application. Justice Jude Obiora delivered the ruling on June 3 after hearing submissions from both prosecution and defence. Ezenagu, who was transported from a hospital to the courtroom, had through his lawyer Kingsley Awuka, requested to remain in medical care due to poor health. The prosecution, led by Tobechukwu Nweke, opposed the bail application, insisting the defendant be remanded in custody. Justice Obiora affirmed that a hospital is not a constitutional facility for detaining a defendant and adjourned the case to June 19 for further proceedings. The arraignment of Ezenagu began on April 23, but was suspended after the court found him medically unfit to plead. He appeared frail and needed assistance from security personnel to enter the courtroom during that session. Ezenagu was taken into custody on March 26 by Agunechemba, a security outfit of the Anambra State Government, over alleged breaches of the state's Homeland Security Law. A search of his residence in Nnewi followed his arrest as part of the investigation.
The court's refusal to allow a medically frail defendant to remain in hospital custody exposes a rigid interpretation of legal procedure over humanitarian considerations. Justice Obiora's assertion that a hospital is not a constitutional detention facility ignores the reality that correctional facilities may lack adequate medical infrastructure. If Ezenagu remains unfit to plead by June 19, the trial risks further delays without a clear plan for handling health-compromised defendants.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
