The Hon. Chief Judge Anambra, Hon. Justice O. M Anyachebelu, FICMC, FCArb sets to begin visit to four Correctional Centres in Anambra.
The kick-off date is 30th October 2024 at ONITSHA Correctional Centres by 10 am.

The visitation days for the rest of the Correctional Centres in the State are as follows:

NNEWI– WEDNESDAY 13th November 2024. 10.00am.

AGUATA — Wednesday 20th November 2024. 10.00 am.

AWKA– WEDNESDAY 27th November 2024. 10.00 am.

The Hon. Chief Judge shall also inspect the premises and cells during the visitation.

Priority attention will be given to over stayed inmates, aged, sick and females.

The public is hereby informed and or reminded that the Anambra State Local Government Election Petition Tribunals for the three Senatorial Zones (Anambra North, Anambra Central, and Anambra South)—are set to commence sittings at the Anambra State High Court premises, Awka. These tribunals have since been constituted to hear and resolve petitions arising from the recently concluded Local Government Elections in Anambra State.
The Registry headed by the Secretary is on ground to attend to Legal Practitioners , prospective litigants and general public.

Tribunal Secretary.

This report details the monthly visits conducted by learned Magistrates to Police Stations in Anambra State, following a directive from the Honorable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu, FICMC, FCArb.

Here are the key points from the visits:

Participants: The visits were led by learned Magistrates accompanied in some areas by Lawyers from the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, and various branches of the NBA.

1. Chief Magistrate L.S.E. Uzuodu:
– Visit Date: September 18, 2024.
– Location: Area Command Headquarters, Nnewi.
– Findings: The facility was well-maintained, with a clean cell. Two suspects were in the cell , they were arrested for stealing and assault. The Chief Magistrate recommended they be granted bail or charged the following day.

2. Chief Magistrate Nnaemeka Nnacheta:
– Visit Location: Ajalli Police Station.
– Findings: Received warmly by the DPO. Six suspects (five males, one female) were found, detained for three to five days. He ordered their bail or court appearance the next day. The male cell was untidy, and the female cell was in worse condition.

3. Senior Magistrate Iwuno Mike:
– Visit Location: Divisional Police Station, Ukpo.
– Findings: No suspects were found in the cell, and the facility was reported to be very clean.

4 Senior Magistrate I.C. Agbanu:
– Visit Location: Anambra East Divisional Police Station, Otuocha.
– Findings: The learned Magistrate was warmly received. She noted ten suspects detained for conspiracy/stealing and assault. She admitted two suspects to bail and ordered that the remaining eight be charged to court immediately.

5. Senior Magistrate M.U. Enendu:
– Visit Location: Divisional Police Station, Nteje.
– Accompanied By: I.B. Onyekachi, State Chairman of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS).
– Findings: During the inspection, three inmates were found in custody: one on the Chief Magistrate’s orders, one already arraigned for court the following day, and one under ongoing investigation. The learned Magistrate advised that all three be charged to court immediately.

6.Senior Magistrate I.E. Onunkwo:
– Visit Location: Ekwulobia Police Station.
– Findings: The learned Magistrate was warmly received by the DPO, DCO, and other officers, with a PDSS counsel present. She found five suspects in the cell. Three were charged with rape and admitted to the offense; they were to be charged to court the next day. The other two had been granted police bail, with their relatives on the way to finalize it. The facility was well maintained, and the officers exhibited professionalism.

Overall, the visits aimed to ensure proper treatment of suspects and adherence to legal procedures, with Magistrates actively engaging in decision-making regarding bail and court appearances

Recommendations
– Immediate attention should be given to improving the cleanliness and conditions of both male and female detention cells to ensure humane treatment of all detainees.
– Regular audits and inspections of police facilities should be implemented to ensure compliance with legal and human rights standards.
– Continued collaboration with the PDSS and legal practitioners to expedite the processing of bail and charges for suspects.

These findings contribute to the broader objective of enhancing the Justice system in Anambra State, ensuring that all individuals in custody are treated with dignity and respect.

Signed
V I Udedike Esq.
DCR Inspectorate
Anambra State Judiciary.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 86, of the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, and all other enabling powers, the Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu Chief Judge, Anambra State on the 12^th September 2024 established and appointed Chairmen and Members of the Anambra State Local Government Election Tribunal and Election Appeal Tribunal.

All the tribunal sittings shall hold at the Judiciary Headquarters, High Court, Awka except otherwise specifically directed and/or designated.

The Chief Judge of the Anambra State High Court, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu has Pursuant to the provisions of Order 46 Rule 4(b) and 5(1) of the High Court rules announced the Annual Vacation Order, 2024.

In a public notice signed by the Chief Judge, the 2024 vacation will commence on Thursday, 1st day of August, 2024, and end on Monday, 16th of September, 2024. Consequently, the court will reopen official business on Tuesday, the 17th day of September 2024.

Vacation Judges:

During the Annual Vacation, the following Honourable Judges of the State High Court shall sit as Vacation Judges.

Names of Hon. Judges:
(a) Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu – Chief Judge
(b) Hon. Justice J. U. Obiora
(c) Hon. Justice D. C. Maduechesi
(d) Hon. Justice N. L. Oyeka

The vacation Judges shall sit at High Court of Justice Awka during the long vacation.

In an official announcement on the 29^th September 2023, the Hon. Chief Judge unveiled the Anambra State Small Claims Court Practice Directions 2023. These practice directions serve as comprehensive guidelines for the process and proceedings of the newly established Small Claims Courts. Key highlights of the Practice Directions include:

1. Expedited Procedures: Small Claims Courts will employ simplified and accelerated procedures to ensure the swift resolution of cases.
2. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Practice Directions encourage the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods to reach amicable settlements before resorting to formal court proceedings.
3. Monetary Limit: The Small Claims Court will have jurisdiction over financial disputes where the claimed amount does not exceed N5, 000,000.
4. No Legal Representation Required: Litigants in Small Claims Court are not required to be represented by legal counsel, although they have the option to do so if they wish.
5. Limited Discovery: Discovery processes will be limited to expedite the proceedings, ensuring that cases are resolved as quickly as possible (not exceeding 60 days from date of filing.
6. Cost Efficiency: The Small Claims Court system aims to be cost-effective for all parties involved, with streamlined processes.
7. Speedy Judgments: The Small Claims Courts are committed to issuing judgments promptly to minimize delays in resolving disputes.

As Anambra State is well known for high commercial activities, the establishment of Small Claims Courts by the State Judiciary marks a significant step towards enhancing access to justice and expediting the resolution of financial disputes within the State. With the designation of specific Magistrates’ Courts, training of Learned Magistrates and Customary Court Presidents, and the unveiling of the Practice Directions, the Chief Judge has set in motion a system that promises efficient, cost-effective, and accessible dispute resolution for all residents of the State.This initiative reflects the Judiciary’s dedication to ensuring that justice is not only fair but also swift. It is expected that the Small Claims Court system will contribute significantly to reducing the backlog of cases and promoting a more efficient judicial process within the state.

In designating Courts to sit over the Small Claims Cases, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu designated two Learned Magistrates in each of the following Magisterial Districts:

1. Chief Magistrates’ Court Awka,
2. Chief Magistrates’ Court Onitsha,
3. Chief Magistrates’ Court Ogidi, and
4. Chief Magistrates’ Court Nnewi.

Designating these magistrates’ courts as Small Claims Courts further ensures that sufficient time is available to handle these cases effectively. Overall, the Small Claims Court is poised to make a positive impact on Anambra State legal landscape.

The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu, on Thursday, 6th July 2023, received Eleven brand new Ford Territory crossover SUVs from the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu. The SUVs were the first batch of official vehicles the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo pledged to allocate to the Judicial Officers. The event took place at the Government House, Awka.

In his remarks, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu thanked the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo for being timely in commencing the fulfillment of his promise to the Judiciary to that effect, noting that the Judiciary expectations on him (His Excellency) for the remaining vehicles are high.

The provision of official vehicles to the Judiciary enhances the overall image and perception of the judiciary. It demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a robust and effective judicial system, fostering public confidence and trust. These SUVs will facilitate judges in carrying out their responsibilities effectively and contribute to a more efficient and accessible justice system.

On the same occasion, the Hon. Chief Judge handed over all the vehicles to the recipient Hon. Judges. In elated spirit, the recipient Judges expressed their contentment with the vehicles.

Here are few of the photos captured at the event.