Anambra traditional ruler regains freedom after days in police custody
The people of Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Thursday, celebrated release of their ‘crowned monarch,’ Igwe Dennis Ezebuilo from the police custody.
Dennis, it was learnt, was arrested at Abuja on July 13 but remanded under the police custody on July 14 by an Awka Federal High Court presided over by Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa.
He was arraigned on a three count charges including alleged impersonation as traditional ruler of Amanuke and communal incitement against his cousin, Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo who was certified and recognised by the state government.
Counsel to the defendant, Arthur Obi Okafor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had appealed for his bail even as he reminded the court that it was State High Court that has jurisdiction for the case as contains in Section 25 (1) of the constitution.
Justice Nganjiwa, who adjourned the case to October 13, 2021 for hearing, granted the request on self recognition as the prosecuting Counsel, Mr Stanley Nwodo, did not oppose the bail request.
Jubilating over the bail granted ‘Igwe’ Dennis, the former Deputy President General of Amanuke, Mr. Augustine Ejiofor, appealed to governor Willie Obiano to help restore peace to the community by withdrawing certificate issued to Chief Alphonsus Ezebuilo and issue same to Chief Dennis.
Also in a protest letter addressed to governor Obiano, signed by Ichie Nweke Nwachukwu, Mrs Victoria Ofuora, Bar Jonas Okoro, Emeka Udenze and Chief Chukwuemeka Umeadi, the community explained that ‘Igwe’ Dennis was duly screened by an appropriate committee and later crowned by the oldest man in Amanuke in accordance to their constitution.
