Popular Anambra Native Doctor Remanded Over Alleged Homeland Security Law Violations

By Gloria Drealomalicha

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has ordered the remand of a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as Muomiri Afuluanya, at the Amawbia Correctional Centre as legal proceedings against him continue.

The order was issued by Justice Jude Obiora during proceedings held on June 3 after hearing submissions from both the defence and prosecution.

Ezenagu, who was brought before the court from a medical facility, sought bail on health grounds through his counsel, Kingsley Awuka. The defence also requested that he be allowed to remain in hospital while awaiting the next hearing date, citing concerns about his medical condition.

However, the prosecution, led by Tobechukwu Nweke, opposed the application and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the determination of the bail request.

In his ruling, Justice Obiora held that a hospital could not serve as a lawful detention facility for an accused person, stressing that such arrangements were not recognised under the law.

“A hospital is not a constitutional facility for the detention of a defendant,” the judge ruled.

He subsequently ordered that Ezenagu be remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until June 19 for further proceedings.

The case first came before the court on April 23, but Ezenagu’s arraignment was stalled after concerns were raised about his health.

During that earlier appearance, the defendant reportedly looked visibly weak and had to be assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, prompting questions about his ability to participate in the proceedings.

Justice Obiora subsequently ruled that Ezenagu was not medically fit to take his plea and granted an adjournment to allow him receive treatment.

The native doctor was arrested on March 26 by operatives of Agunechemba, the Anambra State Government’s security outfit, over allegations of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law.

Following his arrest, security operatives reportedly searched his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations into the allegations against him.

As the legal process unfolds, attention remains focused on both the health condition of the defendant and the outcome of the charges brought against him.