The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka on Friday adjourned the arraignment of a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” following fears over his health.
Ezenagu, who appeared visibly frail, was assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, prompting questions about his fitness to stand trial.
After observing the defendant, the trial judge, Justice Jude Obiora, ruled that he was unfit to take his plea due to his condition and adjourned the matter to June 3.
“The matter is hereby adjourned to June 3 for continuation,” the judge said after hearing submissions from both sides.
Before the defendant was brought into court, a disagreement broke out between the prosecution and defence teams over whether proceedings should continue.
The prosecution was led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, while Kingsley Awuka appeared for the defendant.
Nweke argued that the case could proceed despite the defendant’s condition, while Awuka insisted that his client required urgent medical attention and was not fit for further proceedings.
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Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Nweke said the state government remained prepared to continue with the prosecution once the defendant was fit to stand trial.
Awuka, on his part, showed optimism that Ezenagu would be medically fit by the next adjourned date.
Ezenagu was arrested in March and paraded by the state government’s security outfit, Agunechemba, over alleged violations of Anambra State’s Homeland Security Law.
Following his arrest, he was taken to his residence in Nnewi for a search and further questioning.
During the parade, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, alleged that the native doctor lured young people with promises of quick wealth, claiming they were asked to bathe in a stream behind his house.
Emeakayi said such activities contravened the state’s Homeland Security Law, adding that Ezenagu had previously been cautioned but allegedly continued the practice.