Awka — In a significant move to decongest courts and speed up the administration of justice, the Anambra State Government has formally introduced a plea bargain mechanism for eligible criminal suspects undergoing trial.
The initiative, however, excludes suspects facing charges for murder, rape, armed robbery, and kidnapping, ensuring that serious and violent crimes remain outside the scope of the new policy.
Announcing the development, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), said the plea bargain option is being operationalised in line with Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022.
“It has become necessary to mainstream plea bargaining in the administration of criminal justice in Anambra State in furtherance of the provisions of the law,” Nweke stated.
He directed all prosecuting counsel and officers to issue plea bargain forms to eligible defendants and adequately inform them of the opportunity to explore the option. Completed forms are to be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for necessary consideration and approval.
The Attorney-General warned that any criminal charge filed without compliance with the new directive may be deemed contrary to government policy and could be discontinued. He also emphasised that all plea bargain agreements must be properly documented as part of the prosecution process and endorsed by the head of the legal department of the prosecuting agency or, where applicable, by the Attorney-General himself.
Reacting to the policy, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ebuka Onyekwelu, described the move as consistent with the present administration’s broader judicial reform agenda.
According to him, Governor Soludo had pledged in his manifesto to collaborate closely with the legislature and judiciary to enhance the efficiency of the justice delivery system.
“The Solution Agenda of this government is committed to working with the judiciary to strengthen and modernise judicial processes across the state,” Onyekwelu added.
The introduction of structured plea bargaining is expected to reduce prolonged trials, ease pressure on the prison system, and allow for faster resolution of suitable cases while maintaining a firm stance on serious criminal offences.
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