Anambra Rolls Out Plea Bargain Policy, Bars Murder, Rape and Kidnapping Suspects

The Anambra State Government has launched a plea bargain programme for eligible defendants in criminal cases as part of measures to improve the efficiency of the state’s justice system.

The policy, however, excludes suspects standing trial for murder, rape, armed robbery and kidnapping, who will continue to face full prosecution.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), said the initiative was introduced under the provisions of Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022.

He explained that the objective is to institutionalise plea bargaining and promote faster resolution of criminal 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 directed prosecutors to issue plea bargain forms to qualified defendants and advise them of their right to explore the option, with completed applications to be submitted to the Ministry of Justice.

The Attorney-General also warned that criminal charges initiated without complying with the directive may be discontinued for failing to meet the state’s policy requirements.

According to Nweke, all plea bargain agreements must be incorporated into the prosecution process and approved by the relevant legal authorities before they become effective.

Commenting on the development, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Ebuka Onyekwelu, described the initiative as part of the administration’s commitment to judicial reform and faster justice delivery.

He said the policy reflects Governor Soludo’s pledge to work with both the legislature and judiciary to strengthen and modernise the justice system in Anambra State.

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