Journalists Attacked, Gadgets Damaged As Anazodo Reappears In Court In Wheelchair
By Joseph Egbeocha | IchieTimes
Tensions rose at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday as the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada, Obosi, Harrison Anazodo, appeared in court in a wheelchair for the continuation of proceedings in his criminal trial.
The defendant is standing trial over allegations bordering on the promotion of illicit wealth acquisition and other criminal offences.
Trouble reportedly started at the entrance of the court when the Nissan Murano conveying Anazodo arrived at the premises.
According to eyewitness accounts, some persons believed to be supporters of the defendant allegedly became confrontational and blocked journalists from taking photographs and recording videos as he was being assisted from the vehicle into the court.
The confrontation reportedly resulted in damage to some journalists’ mobile phones and other gadgets.
Addressing the court, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, raised concerns over the incident and described the conduct as a disruption of proceedings and a breach of the sanctity of the court.
Counsel to the defendant, W. Abonye, apologised to the court, the Attorney General and members of the media, stressing that the incident was neither intended nor directed by his client.
Abonye also undertook to ensure that the damaged gadgets belonging to journalists were replaced and assured the court that such an incident would not happen again.
In a bench ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiorah, said the court was a place that must not be desecrated by anyone.
The judge accepted the apology and undertaking by the defence counsel, but warned that any recurrence could lead to the proceedings being conducted on camera.
Justice Obiorah reaffirmed that the trial remained open to journalists and members of the public, provided that decorum and respect for the sanctity of the court were maintained.
He subsequently directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to lay the matter to rest, subject to the fulfilment of the defence counsel’s undertaking to replace the damaged gadgets.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Nweke said he had accepted the apology from the defence counsel.
He, however, stressed that journalists were the eyes and ears of the public and deserved respect while carrying out their lawful duties.
The court also heard arguments on the defendant’s bail application, with the defence seeking his release and the prosecution opposing the application.
After considering the arguments, Justice Obiorah denied the defendant bail, with the court citing concerns over possible interference with the trial.
The matter was adjourned until October 16, 2026, for continuation of trial, according to the Chief State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, Chineze Ononye Ekwerekwu.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, was also present at the court session.
