The arraignment of a popular Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, widely known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya”, was adjourned on Friday, April 24, 2026, after he was found medically unfit to take his plea.
The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka, presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, could not proceed with the formal arraignment due to the defendant’s poor health condition. Ezenagu, who appeared frail, was assisted into the courtroom by security operatives, prompting arguments between the prosecution and defence teams over his fitness to stand trial.
Before the defendant entered the courtroom, there was a back-and-forth between the prosecution, led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, and the defence counsel, Barrister Kingsley Awuka, regarding Ezenagu’s health status.
Justice Obiora subsequently ruled that the accused was not in a condition to take his plea and adjourned the matter to June 3, 2026, to allow him time to address his health.
“The matter is hereby adjourned to June 3 for continuation,” the judge stated.Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, the lead prosecutor, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, affirmed that the state government is fully prepared to proceed with the case.
Defence counsel Kingsley Awuka, on his part, expressed hope that his client would be medically fit by the next adjourned date.Ezenagu was arrested on March 12, 2026, by security operatives in Nnewi and is being prosecuted for alleged offences under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
The charges are linked to his traditional practices, which authorities claim include promoting illegal rituals associated with quick wealth and other activities deemed contrary to public security.
The case has attracted significant public interest in the state, with some social media discussions questioning the genuineness of the defendant’s condition after videos from the court premises surfaced online.
The June 3, 2026, date will determine whether Ezenagu is fit to be formally arraigned and enter a plea. The matter continues to be monitored closely as part of ongoing efforts to address certain traditional practices perceived to enable crime in Anambra State.
