Native Doctor in Anambra 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, also known as "Onyeze Jesus," to six years in prison and a fine of ₦20 million. This follows his conviction under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

Justice Jude Obiora announced the judgment on Friday. Okocha faced three charges after his arrest during a security operation targeting suspected native doctors in February 2025.

He was accused of promoting wealth through supernatural means on social media, making charms for criminals, practicing "Oke-Ite" rituals, and running money-doubling schemes.

The court found him guilty only of misleading the public about having supernatural powers to make people wealthy through illegal spiritual practices.

Justice Obiora stated that Okocha admitted to being in the viral videos on social media and confirmed ownership of the accounts promoting these claims. The judge noted that Okocha spread the idea that wealth could come from supernatural means instead of hard work.

However, Okocha was cleared of the other two charges after the prosecution could not prove claims related to ritual killings or money-doubling. The judge explained that there was no evidence or witness to show anyone benefited from the alleged rituals.

While delivering the judgment, Justice Obiora remarked, "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 sentencing, Okocha cried and pleaded with 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."

He continued, "Since February last year that 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."

Okocha added, "Also since I have been in custody, three widows who depend on me have all died due to the fact that there is no one taking care of them."

Okocha's lawyer, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, responded to the judgment by saying the defence would review the Certified True Copy of the judgment before deciding their 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 will look into it to know the appropriate steps to take."

Ezedinobi explained, "According to the law, the sentence can run concurrently and 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 confirmation of the state's Homeland Security Law. He said, "We believe that the sentencing and the fine prescribed by the law and the number of years in custody is quite in order and will serve as a deterrent to others."

Mefor noted, "We know that the Anambra Homeland Security law 2025 is fully in force and I believe that it was tested today by the judiciary. I advise those involved in such criminal acts identified in section 18 Sub Section 1, which talks about 'Oke-Ite', to stop."

He added, "This judgment puts a very effective end to it and whoever is found will face the full wrath of the law."

Mefor also stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration does not oppose traditional religion but will work to stop people using religion or spiritual claims to deceive others.

He mentioned that the seven pastors arrested under the same law remain in custody while their cases are ongoing. He said, "The arraigned Pastors are in detention as directed by the Court and will stay in custody until they are found guilty or discharged by the Court."

In another case, a native doctor known as "Eke-Hit" had his trial postponed until September 26 after both sides presented their written arguments to the court.