A High Court in Anambra State has sentenced well-known native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly called Akwa Okuko, to two years in prison after he admitted to criminal charges linked to ritual practices and related offences.
Nwangwu was taken into custody in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit over allegations that included aiding kidnapping activities and involvement in money ritual schemes.
He was arrested alongside two other suspects — Mr. Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Mr. Ekene, popularly referred to as Eke Hit — and the trio had remained in detention while their trial progressed.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Jude Obiorah confirmed that Nwangwu had entered a plea bargain arrangement with the Anambra State Government and expressed remorse for his actions.
Following his guilty plea, the court convicted him on several counts under both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Law.
The judge imposed two-year prison terms on counts three through eight, ordering that the sentences run concurrently.
However, some charges were struck out during the proceedings.
Justice Obiorah emphasised that state law criminalises claims of possessing supernatural powers to generate wealth or provide miraculous healing through practices such as Okeite.
He reiterated that individuals found engaging in such acts face imprisonment under the law.
Although the court initially imposed fines totaling ₦60 million — ₦20 million each on three counts — the judge waived the financial penalties, citing the defendant’s remorse and the circumstances surrounding the case.
The court further ruled that the 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in detention would count toward his sentence, leaving him with approximately 11 months to serve at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Rejected Request
The judge rejected a request by defence counsel for the sentence to be served at the Agunechemba facility, noting that it is not a legally recognised correctional institution.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed several post-release conditions.
Nwangwu’s shrine in Oba is to be demolished, and he is prohibited from practising Okeite in the future.
He must also publicly renounce the practice in a recorded video statement.
As part of what the court described as restorative measures, he is to serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, publicly warning young people against seeking wealth through supernatural or ritual means.
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The ruling marks a significant development in the Anambra State Government’s ongoing crackdown on ritual-related activities and fraudulent spiritual practices.