The Anambra State Government has introduced a statewide plea bargain programme aimed at reducing congestion in correctional centres and speeding up the dispensation of justice across the state.
The initiative was announced in a statement issued by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN.
According to the Attorney-General, the programme applies to defendants facing criminal trials, excluding those charged with murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape.
He directed all state prosecutors to issue prescribed plea bargain forms to eligible defendants before their pleas are taken in court.
Dr. Nweke explained that the policy forms part of the criminal justice reforms of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration and is designed to ease the burden on the courts while addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities.
He noted that defendants who voluntarily plead guilty under the arrangement may receive reduced sentences, allowing for faster resolution of criminal cases in line with established legal procedures.
The Attorney-General said the directive takes immediate effect, with prosecutors required to attach plea bargain forms to all eligible case files before arraignment.
The Anambra State Government expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen the administration of justice, improve judicial efficiency and enhance access to justice while ensuring that serious offences continue to be prosecuted fully under the law.
