The Anambra State Government has rolled out a plea bargain initiative for suspects facing criminal trials as a strategy to fast-track the justice system and minimise delays in case prosecutions.
However, individuals standing trial for serious offences such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and kidnapping are not eligible to participate in this new arrangement.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), explained that the policy is backed by Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022.
According to him, the introduction of plea bargaining seeks to integrate this mechanism into the state’s criminal justice system for improved efficiency in handling cases.
“It has become necessary to operationalise and mainstream plea bargain in the administration of criminal justice in Anambra State in furtherance of the provisions of Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022,” Nweke said.
He instructed all prosecuting counsel and relevant officers to provide plea bargain forms to qualified defendants and properly inform them about the opportunity to engage in the process.
The Attorney-General directed that duly completed forms should be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for proper review and consideration.
He warned that any criminal charge filed without adhering to this new directive may be viewed as being instituted against the established policy and could therefore be discontinued.
Nweke further stated that every plea bargain agreement must be integrated into the prosecution process and receive endorsement from the head of the legal department of the prosecuting agency. In cases handled directly by law officers in the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General’s approval would be required.
Reacting to the new policy, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ebuka Onyekwelu, noted that the initiative is consistent with the administration’s broader judicial reform goals focused on achieving quicker dispensation of justice.
He recalled that Governor Soludo had promised in his manifesto to partner with the legislature and judiciary to enhance the overall efficiency of the justice delivery system.
According to him, the government’s Solution Agenda also emphasises collaboration with the judiciary to strengthen and modernise judicial processes throughout Anambra State.
