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 pending further proceedings in his trial.

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

Ezenagu, who was brought to court from a hospital, had through his lawyer, Kingsley Awuka, applied for bail on health grounds and sought permission to remain under medical care until the next hearing date.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Tobechukwu Nweke, opposed the request and urged the court to remand the defendant while the bail application was being considered.

In his ruling, Justice Obiora held that a hospital could not serve as a lawful detention facility for a defendant facing criminal proceedings and consequently ordered Ezenagu’s remand in a correctional centre.

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

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to June 19 for the continuation of proceedings.

The case was initially scheduled for hearing on April 23, but Ezenagu’s arraignment was stalled due to concerns over his health condition.

During the earlier proceedings, the defendant appeared visibly weak and was assisted into the courtroom by security personnel, raising questions about his ability to take his plea.

Justice Obiora had then ruled that Ezenagu was medically unfit to stand trial at the time and granted an adjournment to allow him receive treatment.

Ezenagu 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 investigations into the allegations against him.

The case is expected to resume on June 19 when the court will continue hearing the matter and consider issues surrounding the defendant’s bail application.