Anambra Native Doctor Gets Six Years in Jail and ₦20 Million Fine

An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced a well-known native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, who is popularly called “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years in prison. The court also ordered him to pay a fine of ₦20 million after finding him guilty under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

Justice Jude Obiora gave the ruling on Friday. Okocha was convicted on one out of three charges against him. His arrest happened during a security operation targeting suspected native doctors in February 2025.

He was accused of promoting wealth through supernatural means on social media. He was also charged with preparing charms for criminals and engaging in money-doubling schemes, known as “Oke-Ite” rituals.

The court found him guilty of misleading the public by claiming he could make people rich through illegal spiritual practices. Justice Obiora noted that Okocha admitted to being the person in the viral videos and confirmed he owned the social media accounts linked to these claims.

The judge stated that Okocha spread the message that people could gain wealth through supernatural means instead of hard work. However, he was cleared of the two other charges because the prosecution could not prove the claims of ritual killings or money-doubling.

Justice Obiora said there was no evidence or witnesses to show that anyone gained from the alleged rituals. He said, “Individuals who claim supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through prohibited practices or preparing charms outlawed by the Anambra Homeland Security Law are liable to imprisonment and financial penalties.”

Before the judgment, Okocha became emotional and begged the court for mercy. He said, “My Lord please tamper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and this is the first time that I am having a court case.

“Since February last year when I was arrested and have been in custody, I do not know the whereabouts of my wife and my twin children who depend on me as the breadwinner. Also since I have been in custody, three widows who depend on me have all died because there is no one taking care of them.”

Okocha’s lawyer, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, said they would review the Certified True Copy of the judgment to decide on the next steps. He said, “According to the Court, he was given maximum sentence and we shall apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment and we look into it and then know the appropriate steps to take.

“According to the law, the sentence can run concurrently. He was sentenced in count 1 and discharged in counts 2 and 3.”

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, called the judgment a strong reinforcement of the state’s Homeland Security Law. He said, “We believe that the sentencing and the fine as prescribed by the law and the number of years to be spent in a custodial facility is quite in order and it will serve as a deterrent to others.

“We know that the Anambra Homeland Security law 2025 is fully in force and I believe that it is what was tested today by the judiciary. I can only advise people who are into this kind of criminal conduct, as identified in section 18 Sub Section 1, which talks about ‘Oke-Ite,’ such harmful practices that confuse our youths into thinking that wealth without work is possible.

“This judgment puts a very effective conclusion to it and whoever is found will face the full wrath of the law.” Mefor added that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration does not oppose traditional religion or practices. But they will continue to crack down on those using religion to deceive people.

He also mentioned that seven pastors previously charged under the same law are still in custody while they wait for their cases to be resolved. “The arraigned pastors are in detention as directed by the Court and they will continue to have their days in custody until they are found guilty or discharged by the Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the case against another native doctor known as “Eke-Hit” has been postponed until September 26 after both sides presented their written addresses to the court.