An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail to an Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muomiri Afuluanya,” in the sum of N50 million with a surety in like sum.
Justice Jude Obiora, who presided over the case on Friday, also imposed additional conditions, including the deposit of the title document of the defendant’s house, which would be forfeited if he absconds during trial.
The court further barred Ezenagu from speaking to the media while proceedings are ongoing.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora stated that “the defendant has been granted a bail in the sum of N50million and a surety in like sum.
Other bail conditions include deposit of title document of a house, which would be forfeited if the defendant jumps bail.”
Speaking after the proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Kingsley Awuka, said the court acted fairly in its decision to grant bail.
Awuka added that the conditions set by the court were within the ability of his client, expressing confidence that justice would be served as the trial continues.
The prosecution is being led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, with charges bordering on alleged violations of the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
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Ezenagu was first arrested on March 26 by operatives of the Anambra State Government security outfit, Agunechemba, over alleged breaches of the state’s Homeland Security Law.
He was later subjected to a search of his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations.
Initially, the defendant was brought to court from the hospital on June 3, where his counsel applied for bail on health grounds and requested that he remain in the hospital pending the next adjourned date.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, urging the court to remand him pending the determination of the bail motion.
He was subsequently remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre until Friday, June 19, when the court eventually granted him bail.
Earlier reports indicated that Ezenagu was arrested on March 26 by Agunechemba operatives over allegations of violating the Homeland Security Law.
After his arrest, security agents reportedly searched his residence in Nnewi as part of their investigations.
At the time, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, alleged that the native doctor encouraged youths to patronise him with promises of wealth through ritual practices, including bathing in a stream behind his residence.
Emeakayi also maintained that the activities violated the Homeland Security Law, adding that the suspect had previously been warned by authorities but allegedly failed to stop.