Anambra Court Sentences Native Doctor Onyeze Jesus to Six Years in Prison, Imposes ₦20 Million Fine
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced popular native doctor Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years’ imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine after convicting him under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The judgment marks a major development in the state government’s ongoing crackdown on alleged fraudulent spiritual practices and activities believed to promote criminality.
Justice Jude Obiorah delivered the judgment after finding Okocha guilty of misleading members of the public by claiming he possessed supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through practices prohibited under the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The court held that such representations violated the provisions of the law enacted to curb deceptive spiritual activities linked to crime.
In addition to the six-year jail term, the court ordered the controversial native doctor to pay a ₦20 million fine. Following the judgment, Okocha was remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre to begin serving his sentence.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, confirmed the conviction, describing it as another milestone in Governor Charles Soludo’s campaign against criminality, ritual-related practices and fraudulent spiritual claims in the state. According to him, the government remains committed to enforcing the Homeland Security Law to protect residents from deception and activities that could encourage crime.
Okocha was among several high-profile native doctors arrested during the state government’s enforcement operations targeting individuals accused of promoting illegal wealth rituals and other prohibited spiritual practices. Other notable figures who faced prosecution include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and Ekene Igbonekwu, also known as Eke Hit.
During the proceedings, reports indicated that Okocha appealed for leniency before sentencing, telling the court that several members of his family depended on him. Despite the plea, the court proceeded with the sentence after finding him guilty on one of the charges brought against him.
The Anambra Homeland Security Law was introduced by the Soludo administration as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity and discourage practices believed to promote ritual killings, internet fraud and other criminal activities. The law prohibits claims that promise instant wealth through supernatural means and provides penalties for individuals found guilty of violating its provisions.
The conviction has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many viewing it as a significant test of the state’s determination to enforce the controversial legislation. Supporters argue that the law will help discourage fraudulent spiritual practices, while critics have called for careful implementation to ensure that legitimate traditional and religious practices are not unfairly targeted.
As the Soludo administration continues its campaign against criminality, authorities say more prosecutions are expected where sufficient evidence exists. The government has reiterated that the objective is to improve public safety and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through deceptive spiritual claims.
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