Fraud: Anambra native doctor jailed six years

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An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a popular native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years’ imprisonment and a N20m fine after finding him guilty under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

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Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday, convicting Okocha on one of the three charges brought against him following his arrest in February 2025.

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He 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.

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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.

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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.

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The judge ruled that the defendant propagated the idea that wealth could be acquired through supernatural means rather than lawful work.

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He, however, discharged Okocha on the remaining two counts after the prosecution failed to prove allegations relating to ritual killings and money-doubling practices.

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According to the judge, there was no evidence or witness to establish that anyone benefited from the alleged rituals.

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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.”

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Before sentencing, Okocha broke down in tears, pleading with the court for leniency.

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“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.

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“Since February last year, when 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 breadwinner.

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“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.

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Reacting to the judgment, Okocha’s lawyer, Bath Ezedinobi, said the defence would study the Certified True Copy of the judgment before deciding its next line of action.

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“According to the court, he was given the maximum sentence and we shall apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment. We will look into it and then know the appropriate steps to take.

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“According to the law, the sentence can run concurrently and he was sentenced on count one and discharged on counts two and three,” he said.

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Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described the judgment as a strong affirmation of the state’s Homeland Security Law.

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“We believe that the sentencing and the fine as prescribed by the law, and the number of years to be spent in a custodial facility, are quite in order and will serve as a deterrent to others.”

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