July 17, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced popular native doctor Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine after finding him guilty of offences linked to fraudulent spiritual practices.
The conviction was secured under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, introduced by the administration of Governor Charles Soludo to combat criminality, deceptive spiritual claims, and practices believed to encourage crime.
According to the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, the judgment marks another significant step in the state’s ongoing campaign against individuals who allegedly exploit spirituality and traditional beliefs to deceive members of the public.
Onyeze Jesus was prosecuted alongside other well-known native doctors, including Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and Ekene Igbonekwu (Eke Hit), following the state’s crackdown on alleged ritual practices and claims of supernatural wealth creation.
The law prohibits promoting or performing practices that allegedly promise wealth through mystical or ritual means, as well as preparing charms intended to aid criminal activities. Convicted offenders face up to six years in prison, a fine of ₦20 million, or both.
While Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki previously entered a plea bargain and received a two-year concurrent sentence, Onyeze Jesus proceeded to full trial and received the maximum punishment prescribed under the law.
Following the judgment, the court ordered that Onyeze Jesus be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre to begin serving his prison sentence.
The Anambra State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Homeland Security Law, maintaining that while it respects lawful traditional religion and cultural practices, it will continue to prosecute anyone found using spiritual claims to promote fraud, kidnapping, ritual killings, internet fraud, or other criminal activities.
Source: Court proceedings and official statement from the Anambra State Government.
