Anambra Court Jails Native Doctor ‘Onyeze Jesus’ 6 Years, Fines Him ₦20m

Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced popular native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years’ imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine after convicting him under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

The judgment delivered by Justice Jude Obiora on Friday found Okocha guilty on one of the three counts preferred against him following his arrest during the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on suspected native doctors in February 2025.

The prosecution accused Okocha of promoting wealth through supernatural means on social media, preparing charms for criminals, engaging in “Oke-Ite” rituals and operating alleged money-doubling schemes.

However, the court convicted him only for misleading members of the public by claiming to possess supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through unlawful spiritual practices.

Justice Obiora held that the defendant admitted being the individual featured in the viral social media videos and acknowledged ownership of the accounts used to promote the controversial claims.

According to the judge, Okocha’s messages encouraged the belief that wealth could be acquired through supernatural means instead of legitimate hard work, an offence prohibited under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

The court, however, discharged him on the remaining two counts after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish allegations relating to ritual killings and money-doubling practices.

The judge noted that no witness or evidence was presented to prove that anyone benefited from the alleged rituals.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Obiora 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 sentence was handed down, an emotional Okocha pleaded for mercy, telling the court it was his first criminal case.

“My Lord please temper 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 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 bread winner.

“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,” he said.

Reacting to the verdict, Okocha’s counsel, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, said the defence team would obtain and review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding whether to challenge the conviction.

“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 and he was sentenced in count 1 and discharged in count 2 and 3,” the lawyer said.

Also commenting on the judgment, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the ruling as a major affirmation of the state’s Homeland Security Law.

“We believe that the sentencing and the fine as prescribed by the law and the number of years to be spent in 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 and 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 are confusing our youths making them to believe that wealth without work is possible.

“This judgment put a very effective conclusion to it and whoever is found would face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Mefor reiterated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration was not opposed to traditional religion or genuine religious practices but would continue to prosecute individuals who exploit spiritual claims to deceive the public or encourage criminality.

He also disclosed that seven pastors previously arraigned under the same law remain in custody pending the conclusion of their trials.

“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 added.

Meanwhile, proceedings in the case involving another native doctor, popularly known as “Eke-Hit,” were adjourned until September 26 after both the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses before the court.