An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sent a native doctor from Nnewi, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, also known as Muomiri Afuluanya, to the Amawbia Correctional Centre. This is pending further actions in his trial.
Justice Jude Obiora made the decision after listening to both the defence and prosecution on June 3.
Ezenagu, who was brought to court from the hospital, asked for bail due to his health issues. His lawyer, Kingsley Awuka, wanted him to stay in the hospital until the next court date.
But the prosecuting lawyer, Tobechukwu Nweke, disagreed. He asked the court to keep Ezenagu in custody while the bail request was considered.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora stated that a hospital cannot be used for holding an accused person. He ordered that Ezenagu be kept in a correctional facility.
"A hospital is not a constitutional facility for the detention of a defendant," the judge stated.
The case will continue on June 19.
The court first heard the case on April 23, but they could not proceed with Ezenagu’s arraignment because he was reportedly unwell.
At the earlier hearing, Ezenagu looked weak and needed help from security personnel to enter the courtroom. This raised worries about whether he could stand trial.
Justice Obiora previously decided that Ezenagu was not fit to enter his plea and pushed back the case so he could get medical care.
Ezenagu was arrested on March 26 by the Anambra State Government’s security group, Agunechemba. He is facing allegations of breaking the state’s Homeland Security Law.
After his arrest, security agents searched his home in Nnewi as part of their ongoing investigation into his actions.
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