By Ifeizu Joe
The absence of the presiding judge of Anambra State High Court 2, sitting in Awka, the state capital, on Friday forced the adjournment of two criminal cases instituted by the State against Vincent Udobi and 11 others, as well as Francis Chukwudebe and eight others, until September 25, 2026.
The parties in both matters had already assembled in court when the court clerk announced that the judge would not be sitting.
Consequently, the matters were adjourned, and a new hearing date of September 25, 2026, was communicated to the parties.
Court documents obtained by our correspondent show that the cases were filed under Suit Nos. NN/10/C/2025 and NN/11/C/2025, respectively.
In Suit No. NN/10/C/2025, the State is prosecuting Vincent Udobi, Arinze Azodo, Samuel Ndeke, Chukwudimma Anene, Nwofor Chukwudi, Donatus Obidike, Jasper Azodo, Francis Chira Udobi, Chukwuemeka Nnabuenyi, Nze Onyebuchi Anene, Obinna Nwalioba Olichi, and Francis Chukwudebe.
In the second matter, Suit No. NN/11/C/2025, the State is prosecuting Francis Chukwudebe, Uche James, Uche Ogoemeka, Samuel Nweke, Nworah Ositadimma, Oliver Udobi, Chinedu Nwakwo, Ifeanyi C. Anozie, and Jude Chukwudi Chiobi.
According to the charge sheets, the defendants are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, assault, attempted murder, and stealing.
The prosecution further alleges that the defendants conspired to murder the immediate past President-General of Ifitedunu Community, Chief Uchenna Nwoye, by carrying out acts amounting to attempted murder.
The matters have been subjected to several adjournments since proceedings commenced earlier this year.
It was gathered that the latest adjournment was necessitated by the ongoing annual vacation of judicial officers, during which most judges across the country are on vacation, resulting in extended hearing dates.
Our correspondent further gathered that the lengthy adjournment is expected to allow the matters to proceed to substantive hearing when the court resumes full judicial activities.
