Court Adjourns Trial Of Anambra Native Doctor Over Ill-Health

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has adjourned the trial of a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” following concerns over his health condition.

Ezenagu’s arraignment, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, could not proceed after the defendant appeared visibly frail and was assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, raising questions about his fitness to stand trial.

Presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, ruled that the defendant was unfit to take his plea due to ill-health and subsequently adjourned the matter to June 3 to allow him seek medical attention.

“The matter is hereby adjourned to June 3 for continuation,” the judge stated after hearing from both the prosecution and defence.

Proceedings were briefly stalled by a disagreement between the prosecution team, led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, and defence counsel, Kingsley Awuka, over the defendant’s condition.

While Nweke argued that the trial should proceed despite Ezenagu’s state of health, Awuka insisted that his client required urgent medical care and was not in a condition to continue with the proceedings.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Nweke maintained that the state government was prepared to prosecute the case.

“The state government remains ready to continue with the prosecution of the case,” he said.

On his part, Awuka expressed optimism that the defendant would be fit to stand trial by the next adjourned date.

Ezenagu was arrested in March by the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, for allegedly violating the state’s Homeland Security Law.

Following his arrest, he was taken to his residence in Nnewi for a search and interrogation regarding his activities.

The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, had alleged during the suspect’s parade that Ezenagu lured young men and women with promises of quick wealth, instructing them to bathe in a stream located behind his residence.

Emeakayi stated that such practices contravened the Homeland Security Law, adding that the suspect had previously been warned but failed to desist.

The case is expected to resume on June 3, subject to the defendant’s health condition.