Detained traditional ruler regains freedom after 8 days in police custody

Detained traditional ruler regains freedom after 8 days in police custody

The Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State capital, has granted bail to the detained traditional ruler of Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Dennis Ezebuilo. 

The monarch was arrested in Abuja on July 13, and was remanded in police custody on July 14 by an Awka Federal High Court presided over by Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa.

It was also learnt that Chief Dennis was arraigned on a three-count charge 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 the 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 to ‘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 the same to Chief Dennis Ezebuilo.

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.