Delta Court Sentences Woman to Five Years for Attempted Murder

By Chuks Peter, Delta

An High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, sentenced Ifeoma Nlemuba to five years in prison for attempted murder after she reached a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, marking a notable advancement in the swift dispensation of justice within Delta State.

Nlemuba initially pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of attempted murder but later reconsidered her plea. She submitted an application to the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to engage in a plea bargain, seeking a reduced sentence in alignment with the 2024 Delta State Plea Bargain Guidelines. This application was subsequently approved.

According to court documents, A.P. Popo, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice Asaba, led the prosecution and submitted a plea bargain agreement. The agreement proposed a five-year sentence, inclusive of the time Nlemuba had already served in custody, in accordance with Guideline 23(a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for Prosecutors.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Diai Christopher Dumebi upheld the agreement, sentencing Nlemuba to five years. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, while also taking into account the time already served by the defendant,” Justice Dumebi stated.

The prosecution praised the outcome, emphasizing the positive impact of the plea bargain framework on the judicial system. “This judgment underscores the efficiency of the plea bargain system, as it allows for the timely resolution of cases,” said A.P. Popo. “It is an avenue that not only reduces the caseload but also saves valuable time for all parties involved.”

A.P. Popo also encouraged more legal practitioners in Delta State to utilize the plea bargain system, aligning with Section 21 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. “This is a model worth adopting across various cases, as it promotes justice while expediting case resolutions,” she added.

The case highlights the potential of the plea bargain initiative to streamline the judicial process, especially as this case was concluded within just six months.