Court Remands Native Doctor Muomiri Afuluanya at Correctional Centre

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has ordered the remand of a popular Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, widely known as Muomiri Afuluanya, at the Amawbia Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his trial.

Justice Jude Obiora gave the order on June 3 after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution during the court session.

Ezenagu, who was brought to court from a hospital where he had been receiving medical attention, applied for bail on health grounds through his counsel, Kingsley Awuka.

The defence also requested permission for the native doctor to remain in the hospital until the next adjourned date, citing concerns about his medical condition.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Tobechukwu Nweke, who is also the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, opposed the application and urged the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of the bail motion.

In his ruling, Justice Obiora held that a hospital was not a recognised facility for the detention of an accused person facing trial.

“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 to June 19 for continuation of proceedings and consideration of the bail application.

The case was first brought before the court on April 23, but Ezenagu’s arraignment could not proceed due to his alleged ill-health.

During that earlier sitting, the defendant appeared visibly frail and was assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, prompting concerns about his fitness to stand trial.

Justice Obiora had then ruled that Ezenagu was not medically fit to take his plea and adjourned the matter to allow him receive medical attention.

The native doctor is facing a four-count charge, including allegations of violating the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

He was arrested on March 26 by operatives of the state government’s security outfit, Agunechemba.

Following his arrest, security operatives reportedly conducted a search of his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations into his activities.

Speaking to reporters after the court session, the Attorney General said the state was fully prepared to prosecute the case.

“The state is entirely ready for prosecution, with all our witnesses prepared to ensure the case withstands scrutiny,” Nweke said.

“We will reconvene on June 19 for a ruling on the bail motion and the main hearing.”

Attempts to contact the defendant’s lawyer for comment were unsuccessful as family members reportedly reacted harshly towards journalists at the court premises.