The High Court of Justice in Delta State, presided over by Hon. Justice Diai Christopher Dumebi, has convicted and sentenced one Ifeoma Nlemuba to five years imprisonment for attempted murder.
The defendant, Ifeoma Nlemuba, was arraigned before High Court 6 in the Asaba Judicial Division on a one-count charge of attempted murder, to which she initially pleaded not guilty.
On July 23, 2024, the defense counsel submitted a plea bargain application letter to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, seeking to enter into plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution in accordance with Guideline 15(1)(2) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for Prosecution in Delta State 2024, which was approved by the Honourable Attorney-General.
In line with Guideline 20(3)(a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for Prosecution in Delta State 2024, the defendant subsequently pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of attempted murder on November 5, 2024.
Pursuant to Guideline 23(a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for Prosecution in Delta State 2024, the prosecution, led by A.P. Popo, Esq., Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Asaba, filed the signed Plea Bargain Agreement, which proposed a five-year sentence inclusive of the period the defendant had already spent in custody.
Honourable Justice Diai Christopher Dumebi upheld the proposed Plea Bargain Agreement and consequently convicted and sentenced the defendant, Ifeoma Nlemuba, to five years’ imprisonment, inclusive of time already served in custody.
The Court also ordered that the defendant receive necessary medical attention while in custody.
Prosecution counsel A.P. Popo commended the judgment, stating that it would lead to the speedy dispensation of justice in the state, reduce workload, and save time for all parties involved in litigation.
She encouraged lawyers in the state to utilize the Plea Bargain Agreement in line with Section 21 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the State.
This judgment marks a significant milestone for the Delta State Ministry of Justice in the timely administration of justice, concluding a criminal case within six months of filing.
It is noteworthy that this plea bargain judgment is the first in Delta State, and, according to Section 219 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, it will help reduce the number of cases and time spent in prosecution.
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How cheap is the plea bargain? Is it meant for the common man?