A High Court in Anambra State has sentenced popular native doctor, Mr Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges linked to criminal activities and unlawful spiritual practices.
Justice Jude Obiorah delivered the ruling on Friday, bringing to a close months of legal proceedings following Nwangwu’s arrest in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit. He had been accused of aiding kidnapping and engaging in money ritual-related activities.
Plea Bargain and Remorse
Nwangwu was arrested alongside two other native doctors — Mr Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Mr Ekene, also called Eke Hit — who are still undergoing trial.
During proceedings, the court noted that Nwangwu had earlier entered a guilty plea and reached a plea bargain agreement with the Anambra State Government. Justice Obiorah said the sentence reflected the defendant’s expression of remorse.
He was convicted on counts three to eight, with the two-year prison terms ordered to run concurrently. Counts one, two and three were struck out.
The judge stated that the conviction was grounded in both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Law.
Fines Waived, Time in Custody Considered
Justice Obiorah initially imposed fines of N20 million each on counts one, five and eight — amounting to N60 million. However, he subsequently waived the fines, citing the defendant’s remorse.
“He has spent 13 months in detention already; this will be computed into his sentence. He will serve the remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre,” the judge ruled, rejecting a plea by defence counsel for the sentence to be served at the Agunechemba facility, noting that it is not a recognised correctional centre.
Shrine to Be Destroyed, Public Denunciation Ordered
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court issued strict post-release conditions. The judge ordered the demolition of Nwangwu’s shrine in Oba and barred him from practising Okeite or similar spiritual activities upon release.
Under Anambra law, anyone claiming supernatural powers to heal or generate wealth through practices such as Okeite faces up to two years’ imprisonment, while practising Okeite or ezenwanyi attracts a six-year jail term.
Justice Obiorah further directed that Nwangwu must publicly renounce such practices in a recorded video statement and serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, cautioning young people against seeking wealth through supernatural means.
The ruling marks one of the most high-profile crackdowns on alleged ritual and spiritual fraud practices in Anambra State in recent years.
