Anambra Introduces Plea-Bargain Direction for Eligible State Offences

The Anambra State Government has introduced a plea-bargain direction for eligible defendants facing criminal trial under state laws, saying the measure is intended to reduce pressure on correctional centres and speed up justice.

The direction was issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, and applies to offences created under Anambra law.

Punch reported that murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape are expressly excluded from the initiative.

Under the direction, prosecutors are to give prescribed plea-bargain forms to defendants in eligible cases before pleas are taken. The policy is linked to provisions of the Anambra Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022.

The state said the initiative is part of its broader justice-sector reform agenda, aimed at easing court workloads and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.

The direction does not create a route for plea bargains in the excluded serious offences. Its effect will depend on how prosecutors and courts apply it in qualifying state-law cases.

Source: Punch