Anambra Chief Magistrate Orders Arrest of Anglican Priest Who Fled Court After Remand Order

A Chief Magistrate in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, has issued an arrest warrant for Rev. Ossy Molokwu (rtd), an Anglican priest accused of land fraud, after he fled the court premises to avoid incarceration.

On July 4, 2024, the magistrate court delivered a judgment against Rev. Molokwu, ordering his remand in the Onitsha correctional centre until he complied with the court’s directive. The directive mandated him to restore four plots of land and pay a compensation fine of N1.2 million to the complainant, Nduka Johnson Mozie.

Rev. Molokwu, however, evaded custody by pretending to use the bathroom. According to the prosecuting counsel, Nnazimuzo A. Ugorji, Molokwu seized the opportunity to escape, jumping into his car and fleeing the scene.

The following day, July 5, 2024, the court issued an official arrest warrant. The document, intended for the Nigeria Police Force through the state’s Commissioner of Police, mandates the immediate arrest of Rev. Molokwu if he fails to surrender himself to the correctional centre in Onitsha.

“A judgment was delivered on July 4, 2024, by His Worship Chinwe O. Aniekwensi, following a suit brought by the police. The defendant was to be remanded in custody until he fulfilled the court’s conditions,” Ugorji explained.

The prosecuting counsel further elaborated, “Rev. Ossy Molokwu, found guilty by the court, pretended to ease himself but instead escaped before anyone could react.”