An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced popular native doctor Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years in prison and imposed a ₦20 million fine after convicting him under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday, finding Okocha guilty on one of the three charges filed against him following his arrest during a February 2025 security operation targeting suspected native doctors.
The prosecution accused him of using social media to promote wealth through supernatural means, 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 Okocha admitted he was the individual featured in the viral social media videos and acknowledged owning the accounts used to publicise the claims.
The judge ruled that he promoted the belief that wealth could be obtained through supernatural means instead of legitimate work.
Okocha was, however, acquitted on the remaining two charges after the prosecution failed to establish allegations relating to ritual killings and money doubling practices.
According to the judge, no evidence or witness was presented to prove that anyone benefited from the alleged rituals.
Delivering the verdict, 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 became emotional and pleaded for mercy.
“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, his lawyer, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, said the defence would obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment before deciding its next course 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 reacting, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described the ruling as a significant validation 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 added that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration was not against traditional religion or legitimate religious practices but would continue taking action against individuals who use spiritual claims to deceive the public.
He also disclosed that the seven pastors earlier arraigned under the same law remain in custody while their cases are still before the court.
“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 written addresses before the court.
