Anambra Central Senatorial Zone -Why Princess Mbakwe Deserves The Seat

By Judith Nwachukwu

The Attorney General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has urged defendants who accept their guilt to consider plea bargain, pointing to the case of Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko.

Nweke said plea bargain could lead to shorter prison terms, non-custodial sentences and restitution or compensation for victims, depending on the circumstances of each case.

According to the Attorney General, Nwangwu received a lesser sentence following a plea bargain reached with the Anambra State Government, creating circumstances that later allowed the governor to consider his early release.

Nweke said Nwangwu’s remorse, together with the relatively short period remaining on his sentence, contributed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s decision to exercise his prerogative of mercy.

The governor subsequently remitted the unserved portion of Nwangwu’s prison term, allowing him to leave the Correctional Centre earlier than originally required.

The Attorney General described the early release as a “remote benefit” of the plea bargain, saying it also enabled Nwangwu to begin work with the state on youth reformation and re-orientation, as agreed under the plea bargain.

Nweke said the Anambra Government was promoting plea bargain as part of its wider effort to reduce congestion in correctional centres and keep more people from unnecessary periods in custody.

He explained that defendants who qualify may benefit from non-custodial sentences, while those who receive custodial terms may secure shorter periods of imprisonment through negotiated agreements.

He added that plea bargain could also provide a structured way for victims of offences to receive restitution or compensation, where appropriate.

Nweke said the Ministry of Justice launched its plea bargain campaign two months ago, and his office had since received about 150 applications for consideration.

He encouraged persons standing trial who were satisfied that they were guilty to make use of the process, stressing that plea bargain could serve both justice and rehabilitation.

The Attorney General said the state would continue to mainstream plea bargain as part of its approach to managing correctional facilities and supporting the wider reform of offenders.