Sources within the Anambra State Ministry of Justice confirmed that the arrests of Anambra DPP and three other counsels are linked to the withdrawal of a contentious homicide charge against one Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.
He had been accused of killing Aminu Sahabi Salisu, an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during a late-night raid at his residence in Awka, Anambra State, in January 2025.
The EFCC alleged that Ikechukwu, a suspected cybercriminal, opened fire on its operatives during a sting operation on January 17, leading to Salisu’s death and injuries to another officer. However, Ikechukwu insisted that the individuals who stormed his home were unidentified and scaled his fence without any clear identification, prompting him to act in self-defense.
After a review of the case file, the Anambra State DPP entered a nolle prosequi, citing a lack of credible evidence to sustain the prosecution.
Despite the legal basis for that decision, the Inspector-General of Police allegedly directed the arrest of the DPP and the three counsel involved in the matter.
“They were detained in Abuja on Monday and held until late,” a source familiar with the development told journalists. “They were eventually released on self-recognizance in the early hours of Tuesday after intense lobbying and intervention.”
The move has sparked widespread condemnation among legal professionals, who view it as a direct assault on prosecutorial independence. Lawyers are warning that such actions could discourage public prosecutors from performing their duties without fear or favour.
One senior lawyer recalled, “As corpers in the year 2000 with the DPP’s office in the Federal Ministry of Justice, we routinely summoned police officers to explain case files or release unlawfully detained suspects and they complied. Now, prosecutors are being arrested?”
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had yet to issue a formal statement, though there is growing pressure on the association to defend its members and uphold the autonomy of the prosecutorial function.
Reacting to the incident, former Human Right Boss, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu wrote:
“@PoliceNG in Abuja ordered the arrest & detention yesterday of the DPP of Anambra State & 3 State Counsel in her department for the lawful exercise of her powers of the DPP. @NigBarAssoc president, @afamosigwe, did you know?”
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