Anambra Court Sentences Popular Native Doctor to Six Years in Prison

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a prominent native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years’ imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine under the state’s Homeland Security Law. Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday, finding Okocha guilty on one of the three counts preferred against him. The conviction follows his arrest in February 2025 during a state-led security crackdown targeting individuals suspected of engaging in criminal or deceptive spiritual activities.

The prosecution had accused Okocha of using social media to promote the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means, preparing charms for criminals, conducting “Oke-Ite” rituals, and orchestrating money-doubling schemes. However, the court convicted him solely on the count of misleading the public by claiming to possess supernatural powers capable of generating wealth through unlawful spiritual practices. Justice Obiora noted that the defendant admitted to appearing in the viral social media videos and confirmed ownership of the accounts used to advertise his services. The judge ruled that Okocha actively propagated the narrative that riches could be obtained via supernatural avenues rather than legitimate work.

Conversely, Okocha was discharged and acquitted on the remaining two counts. The judge stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence or witnesses to substantiate the allegations regarding ritual killings and money-doubling activities, noting a lack of proof that anyone had benefited from the alleged practices.

Before the sentence was passed, Okocha wept openly in court, pleading for mercy. He argued that it was his first offense and noted that he had been in custody since February of the previous year. He stated that his prolonged detention had left his wife, twin children, and dependent relatives without financial support.

Reacting to the verdict, the defense counsel, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, indicated that the legal team would obtain and review a Certified True Copy of the judgment to determine their next course of action. He observed that while his client received the maximum sentence for the first count, the acquittal on the other two charges meant the legal team would evaluate potential avenues for appeal or relief.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the ruling as a strong validation of the state’s Homeland Security Law. He emphasized that the judgment serves as a necessary deterrent against harmful practices that mislead the public, particularly youth, into believing that wealth can be achieved without labor.

The commissioner clarified that the state administration does not oppose traditional religious practices but remains committed to prosecuting individuals who leverage spiritual claims to defraud or deceive citizens. He also updated that seven pastors previously arraigned under the same homeland security legislation remain in custody awaiting the conclusion of their respective trials, while the case of another native doctor, known as “Eke-Hit,” has been adjourned until September 26.