The Administrative Judge of Onitsha Judicial Division in Anambra State, Justice J. I. Nweze, has denied an oral application by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to withdraw a defamation of character charge against eight leaders of the Umuona community in Aguata Local Government Area.
During the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the police prosecutor, G. T. Nev Esq., sought to withdraw the charge to allow further investigations into the alleged defamation of the deposed traditional ruler of the Umuona community, Igwe Humphrey Ejesieme, by the defendants.
When questioned about the delay in transmitting the case file to the Attorney-General of Anambra State, as previously directed by the court, Nev stated that the IGP was not obliged to do so, particularly since new angles requiring thorough re-investigation had emerged.
Despite the absence of objections from the defendants’ counsel and a state counsel representing the Attorney-General, Justice Nweze maintained that the IGP must first comply with the court’s order to submit the case file before any consideration for withdrawal could take place.
Justice Nweze emphasized that, while the charge was filed under federal law, it was processed within Anambra State jurisdiction. He subsequently adjourned the matter to November 6 for a compliance report.
The IGP had initiated a three-count charge of conspiracy, felony, and defamation of character following preliminary investigations into a complaint from Igwe Ejesieme. The deposed Igwe alleged that the defendants had defamed him in a petition to the Anambra State government, accusing him of arriving at their town union meeting with armed thugs and disrupting the gathering at the Umuona Civic Centre. He claimed this misleading petition led to the withdrawal of his Igweship certificate and subsequent deposition.
The accused individuals include Kenneth Okoli (67), President-General of Umuona community; Ernest Onyejekwe (69); Dr. Anthony Okoli (70); Godfrey Ezeabalim (75); Chukwudi Obiora (40); Obiakor Gilbert (67); Bartholomew Udemba (60); and HRH Igwe Iyke S. C. Ezeofor (61), among others at large. They are charged with conspiracy to commit felony, specifically defamation of character, related to events that occurred on December 28, 2022.