By Onoriode Etatsemi.
AN Asaba high court has convicted and sentenced one Ifeoma Nlemuba to five years imprisonment for attempted murder.
She was arraigned before the court on a one-count charge of attempted murder.
The convict who initially pleaded not guilty to the charge later made a U-turn after writing an application letter (Plea Bargain) to the office of the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice seeking to enter into a Plea Bargain negotiations with the prosecution in line with the Guidelines 15 (1) (2) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for prosecution in Delta State 2024, which was, in the process approved.
And pursuant to Guidelines 23(a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for Prosecutors 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 five years sentence inclusive of the period already spent in custody by the defendant.
Delivering judgment, Justice Justice Diai Christopher Dumebi upheld the Plea Bargain Agreement and consequently convicted and sentenced the defendant, Ifeoma Nlemuba, to five years imprisonment inclusive of the period already spent in custody.
The Prosecution counsel A.P. Popo applauded the judgment of the Honourable Justice Diai, pointing out that such development (Plea Bargain) will lead to speedy dispensation of justice in the State as it will reduce the work load as well as save time of all those involved in litigation.
She encouraged lawyers in the State to key into the Plea Bargain Agreement in line with section 21 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law in the State.
It is novel and seen as significant milestone in the timely administration of justice by concluding a criminal case within 6 months of filing it.
