By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Government of Anambra State has encouraged those standing trial for non-violent cases to explore the option of a plea bargain. Addressing this, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, observed that in a situation where an accused person is convinced that she or he is guilty of the offence, they should explore the option of a plea bargain. Emphasizing the gains of plea bargaining, the Attorney General noted that with it, some suspects, upon conviction, can get a non-custodial sentence. It also offers an opportunity for reduced custodial sentences, allowing those convicted to serve short prison sentences. On the other hand, those who have been wronged are equally adequately compensated. This, the Attorney General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, explained, is in line with the commitment of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, to decongest Correctional Centres, as well as use plea bargaining as one of the viable and balanced mechanisms in achieving that.
Speaking on the efficacy of plea bargaining, the Attorney General said that the case of Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, more popularly known as Akwa Okuko, is a case study. According to him, Akwa Okuko entered into a plea bargain with the State Government and was handed a lesser sentence by the court. However, the remorse shown by the former okite native doctor prompted the Governor of Anambra State, who exercised his power under the Prerogative of Mercy, to grant him an early release two days ago from the Correctional Centre at Amawbia, Anambra State, effectively remitting the remainder of his prison term. This will enable him to join the state-wide youth reformation and reorientation in accordance with the terms of his plea bargain.
So far, the Anambra State Ministry of Justice has received and is considering at least 150 plea bargain applications since the campaign began nearly two months ago, the Attorney General, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, revealed.
About Author
