Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail to a community leader, Chief Denis Ezebuilo at the sum of N10 millions with two sureties.
Ezebuilo, one of the claimants to the Traditional Ruler’s stool of Amanuke in Awka North Local government Area of the state was on June 15, 2023 remanded in Awka Correctional Center for not putting up appearance in the case between him and Inspector General of Police bordering on Chieftaincy tussle in his community since 2002.
In a charge No A/26c/2022, Ezebuilo was accused of unlawful proclamation of himself as Eze elect, unlawful claim of legitimate traditional ruler as well as portrayed himself as the Traditional Ruler of Amanuke Community, offences punishable under section 19 (a) of Traditional Rulers laws No 14 of 2981 of Anambra State.
Appearing before the court, lawyer to the defendant, Kenneth Onyekachi applied for a motion of his bail application which complainant lawyer, Mr Stanley Nwaudo did not object.
Nwaudo said they were only interested in the full trial of the case, noting that detention should not serve as punishment. He described the case as a serious that cannot be treated with levity .
The presiding judge, Hon Justice Charles Okaa granted the applicant bail at sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, one of who must be should be a civil servant between 14 to 16 grade while the other should be a resident of Awka with landed property with prove evidence of ownership and three years tax clearance.
The case was adjourned to 14th July 2023 for the commencement of trial.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the court, lawyer to Ezebuilo, Barr Onyekachi said though the condition was stringent, but he promised its fulfilment before end of the day.
Some of the members of the Community who thronged the court premises in their hundreds maintained Ezebuilo remained their monarch and none other.
