From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
The release of one Timothy Alua, a 24 year-old artisan from the Aguata Correctional Facility, on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, elicited wild jubilation as the young inmate went uncontrollably wide, when the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, struct out his case, and discharged him.
Alua, from Owerri in Imo State, was released after awaiting trial for 5 years and 8 months, but the state Chief Judge, who was in the Correctional Facility to perform the 2022 jail delivery exercise.
When he was discharged, Alua ran out from the court, removed his shirt, and flung it in the air; a development that elicited jubilation and celebration among other inmates. The drama lasted for about ten minutes, before it was brought under control.
The young man, held since 2017, for allegedly stealing a handset, was discharged by the CJ for lack of diligent prosecution. The CJ directed the Controller of Corrections to release him to his people, and subsequently charged the young artisan to be of good behavior.
The CJ also discharged one Onyebuchi Nkwo, 25 years, from Imo State, who had been in the facility since September 22, 2016, over alleged robbery, and unlawful possession of firearm. The prosecuting counsel announced that the complainant swore an affidavit that he was no longer interested in the matter. Thus, the CJ struct out the case, and released him.
Others discharged were Echezona Okeke, 27; Maduabuchi Udeh, 28; Oluchukwu Anagboso, 36; and Chika Onuorah, 29. The four were held in the Correctional Center since December 18, 2017 over alleged motorcycle theft; but the CJ discharged them over what he called want of evidence.
The duo of Chukwudi Okeke, 34, and Uchenna Ezeokoye, 35, who were charged for armed robbery were also released. The state prosecutor announced that the complainant said he was no longer interested in the matter; thus, the CJ released him and charged him to be of good behavior.
Meanwhile, one Obinna Nwankwo, 46, who was granted bail in 2019, but was unable to fulfill his bail conditions, was also granted bail by the CJ in the most lenient terms. The CJ told him to invite his biological father to sign his bail without any further conditions.
Also granted bail was one Somadina Nwadinobi, 27 years. He was held since August 22, 2019, for allegedly stealing from one Rev. Ezeibe, an Anglican cleric. But when the prosecutor announced that the complainant was no more forthcoming, the Chief Judge struct the matter out, and discharged him.