An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced popular native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years’ imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine after finding him guilty under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday, convicting Okocha on one of the three charges brought against him following his arrest during a security crackdown on suspected native doctors in February 2025.
The defendant was accused of promoting wealth through supernatural means on social media, preparing charms for criminals, engaging in “Oke-Ite” rituals and practising money-doubling schemes.
The court, however, found him guilty only of misleading the public by claiming to possess supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through unlawful spiritual practices.
Justice Obiora held that Okocha admitted being the person featured in the viral videos circulated on social media and acknowledged ownership of the accounts used to promote the claims.
The judge ruled that the defendant propagated the idea that wealth could be acquired through supernatural means rather than lawful work.
He, however, discharged Okocha on the remaining two counts after the prosecution failed to prove allegations relating to ritual killings and money-doubling practices.
According to the judge, there was no evidence or witness to establish 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 sentencing, Okocha broke down in tears, pleading with the court for leniency.
“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 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 judgment, Okocha’s lawyer, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, said the defence would study the Certified True Copy of the judgment before deciding its next line of action.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described the judgment as a strong 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 maintained that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration was not opposed to traditional religion or religious practice but would continue to clamp down on individuals using religion or spiritual claims to deceive the public.
He also disclosed that the seven pastors earlier arraigned under the same law remain in custody pending the determination of their cases.
“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, the case involving another native doctor, popularly known as “Eke-Hit,” was adjourned until September 26 after both the prosecution and defence adopted their written addresses before the court.
