An Anambra State High Court in Awka has remanded a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as Muomiri Afuluanya, at the Amawbia Correctional Centre over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora ordered the remand on Wednesday after hearing submissions from both the defence and prosecution during court proceedings.
Ezenagu, who was brought to court from a hospital, had applied for bail on health grounds through his lawyer, Kingsley Awuka. The defence also sought permission for him to remain in the hospital until the next hearing date.
However, prosecuting counsel Tobechukwu Nweke opposed the request and urged the court to keep the defendant in custody pending the determination of the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora held that a hospital was not a legally recognised detention facility for an accused person.
“A hospital is not a constitutional facility for the detention of a defendant,” the judge ruled before ordering Ezenagu’s remand at the correctional centre.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 19 for the continuation of proceedings.
The matter was first brought before the court on April 23, but Ezenagu’s arraignment was stalled due to concerns over his health. During that hearing, he appeared visibly weak and required assistance from security operatives to enter the courtroom.
Justice Obiora had ruled at the time that the defendant was not medically fit to take his plea and granted an adjournment to allow him receive treatment.
Ezenagu was arrested on March 26 by operatives of Agunechemba, the Anambra State Government’s security outfit, over allegations of breaching the state’s Homeland Security Law.
Following his arrest, security personnel reportedly searched his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations.
