A High Court in Awka has approved a ₦50 million bail for Nnewi-based native doctor Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muomiri Afuluanya,” who is facing prosecution over alleged violations of the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora, who presided over the matter on Friday, ordered that the defendant provide a surety of equal value and submit the title documents of his residence as part of the bail requirements. The court warned that the property could be forfeited if he fails to appear for trial.
The judge also directed Ezenagu to refrain from speaking to the media while the case remains before the court.
In the ruling, Justice Obiora held 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.”
Following the ruling, defence lawyer Kingsley Awuka expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, saying, “the court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so”.
Awuka maintained that the bail conditions were reasonable and said his client was prepared to comply with them as the case progresses.
Ezenagu was arrested in March by operatives of Agunechemba, Anambra State’s security outfit, over allegations that his activities breached provisions of the state’s security law.
The prosecution, led by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, is pursuing charges against the native doctor in connection with those allegations.
The defendant had earlier sought bail on medical grounds after being brought to court from a hospital in June. At the time, prosecutors opposed the application and requested that he be remanded pending a decision on the request.
He was subsequently held at the Amawbia Correctional Centre until Friday’s ruling granted him temporary freedom.
Authorities had earlier alleged that Ezenagu promoted ritual-related practices by assuring young people they could acquire wealth through certain spiritual activities, including the use of a stream located behind his residence. Security officials claimed such actions contravened the Homeland Security Law and alleged that previous warnings issued to him were ignored.