A faction of Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area has called on the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, to reassign a case of alleged impersonation involving Chief Dennis Ezebuilo to a different judge.
In their petition, the group accused Justice C.C. Okaa of bias against the defendant, who is standing trial for allegedly impersonating the traditional ruler of Amanuke.
The petition was submitted during a protest at the State Judiciary Headquarters in Awka and the Ministry of Justice within the Jerome Udorji State Secretariat. The protest was led by community leaders Chief Angus Dike and Elder Benson Okechukwu, who questioned Justice Okaa’s continued involvement in the case despite being reassigned to the Ogbaru Division of the High Court during a routine judicial reshuffle in 2022.
They expressed concerns over the judge’s insistence on handling the case, alleging that his conduct suggests a lack of impartiality. The group further accused him of favoring the complainant, compromising the fairness of the judicial process.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Igwedima Ofuorah urged Justice Anyachebelu to transfer all cases involving the Amanuke community from Justice Okaa, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to deliver unbiased judgments.
In response, Anambra State Attorney General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, emphasized that the state government cannot interfere in judicial proceedings but assured the community of collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Justice and Local Government to address the ongoing crises in Amanuke.
The development highlights growing tensions within the Amanuke community and underscores the need for transparent judicial processes to restore trust and resolve disputes effectively.
