ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail to a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muomiri Afuluanya,” who is facing charges of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law.
Delivering his ruling on Friday, Justice Jude Obiora ordered that Ezenagu be released on bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like amount.
The court also imposed additional conditions, including the deposit of the title documents of the defendant’s house, which would be forfeited if he absconds. Justice Obiora further barred the defendant from granting press interviews while his trial remains ongoing.
“The defendant has been granted bail in the sum of N50 million and a surety in like sum. Other bail conditions include the deposit of title documents of a house, which would be forfeited if the defendant jumps bail,” the judge ruled.
Speaking after the proceedings, one of the defence lawyers, Kingsley Awuka, welcomed the ruling, describing it as fair and justified.
“The court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so,” Awuka said.
He expressed confidence that his client would meet the conditions and that justice would ultimately prevail.
READ ALSO Anambra Court Sentences Tricycle Operator To Death For Murder
The prosecution is being led by Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke. Ezenagu is being prosecuted for alleged breaches of provisions contained in the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
The native doctor was arrested on March 26 by operatives of Agunechemba, the Anambra State Government’s security outfit, over allegations that he violated the state’s security regulations.
Following his arrest, security operatives reportedly searched his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations into his activities.
At an earlier court sitting on June 3, Ezenagu, through his counsel, applied for bail on health grounds and sought permission to remain in hospital pending the next adjourned date.
However, Nweke opposed the application, urging the court to remand the defendant until the bail request was determined.
The court subsequently ordered his remand at the Amawbia Correctional Centre pending further proceedings. He remained in custody until Friday, when the court granted him bail.
Following Ezenagu’s arrest in March, operatives of Agunechemba accompanied him to his residence in Nnewi, where a search was conducted as part of investigations.
At the time, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, alleged that the native doctor encouraged young people to seek wealth through ritual practices.
According to Emeakayi, Ezenagu allegedly promised clients riches through rituals that included bathing in a stream behind his residence.
He maintained that such activities contravened provisions of the Homeland Security Law and claimed the suspect had previously been warned by authorities but failed to stop the practice.