Anambra Judge Orders Arrest of Retired Anglican Priest for Evading Prison Time

A Warrant of Arrest has been issued by Magistrate Court 4 in Atani, Ogbaru Magistrate District for the apprehension of Reverend Ossy Molokwu, a retired Anglican priest accused of unlawfully selling four parcels of land.

Rev. Molokwu absconded from the court premises following the delivery of the court’s verdict, which ordered his detention in the Onitsha Correctional Center until he complies with the court’s directive. The warrant, dated 5th July 2024, directs the Nigerian Police Force, through the Commissioner of Police, to detain Rev. Ossy Molokwu on sight if he does not surrender himself to the Correction Center in Onitsha.

The court also ruled that Rev. Ossy Molokwu must be held in prison custody until he fulfills the court’s order, which includes restitution of the four plots of land and payment of 1.2 million naira as compensation to the complainant, Nduka Johnson Mozie.

According to witness Nnazimuzo A. Ugorji, a legal practitioner and Prosecuting Counsel for the complainant, the events unfolded dramatically on July 4, 2024, at the Chief Magistrate Court in Atani, Anambra State.

Rev. Molokwu attempted to evade prison by fleeing the court premises under the guise of needing to use the restroom after the court sentenced him. The judgment, delivered by Magistrate Chinwe O. Aniekwensi, required Rev. Molokwu to restore the land and pay compensation for his actions before being released.

The case, initiated by the police with Change number MGB/39C/2021, stemmed from allegations made by the complainant that Rev. Molokwu had double-sold the land in question. Despite being granted bail, Rev. Molokwu failed to comply with the court proceedings, leading to the accelerated handling of the case.

In a bid for leniency, Rev. Molokwu’s defense counsel pleaded for mercy, citing his status as a first-time offender. However, the court emphasized restorative justice and imposed stringent conditions for his release, including the repayment of funds to the complainant and the restoration of the land.

The subsequent issuance of a warrant for Rev. Molokwu’s arrest on 5th July 2024 underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring justice is served in this case.