Amanuke Community Group Petitions Anambra CJ, Seeks Transfer Of Impersonation Case To Another Judge

A faction of Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area has submitted a petition to the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, requesting the transfer of a case involving Chief Dennis Ezebuilo, who is accused of impersonating the traditional ruler of the community, to another judge.

The petitioners have raised concerns over alleged bias by Justice C. C. Okaa, the judge currently handling the case, and believe that a fair trial cannot be ensured under his leadership. The group led a protest to both the State Judiciary Headquarters in Awka and the office of the Attorney General at the Ministry of Justice, Jerome Udorji State Secretariat, to submit their petition.

During the protest, community leaders, Chief Angus Dike and Elder Benson Okechukwu, explained that the case first came before Justice Okaa in 2022 while he was serving in the Awka Division of the Anambra State High Court. However, the case was still in its preliminary stages when Justice Okaa was transferred to the Ogbaru Division due to a routine judicial reshuffling.

In response, Anambra State Attorney General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, stated that the state government is unable to interfere with judicial matters or ongoing cases. However, she assured the petitioners that both the Ministries of Justice and Local Government would collaborate to address the ongoing issues affecting the Amanuke community and seek a resolution.