A popular Anambra-based native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and fined N60 million by an Anambra State High Court.
Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit over allegations bordering on aiding and abetting kidnapping and involvement in money ritual activities. He was arrested alongside two other native doctors — Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Ekene, popularly called Eke Hit. The trio had been standing trial while remanded in Agunechemba custody.
Judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Jude Obiorah after Nwangwu pleaded guilty to the charges and entered into a plea bargain agreement with the Anambra State Government. According to the court, the defendant showed reasonable remorse, which influenced the sentencing decision.
Justice Obiorah convicted him on counts three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, sentencing him to two years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. However, the court struck out counts one, two, and three. The conviction was based on provisions of the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Law.
The judge explained that under the law, any individual who claims to possess supernatural powers to heal illnesses or generate wealth through magical means such as “Okeite” is liable to a two-year prison term. He added that practicing Okeite or ezenwanyi in the state attracts up to six years’ imprisonment.
On counts one, five, and eight, the court imposed fines of N20 million each, amounting to N60 million in total. However, the fines were subsequently waived in view of the remorse shown by the defendant, with the court noting that the state did not require the money under the circumstances.
Having already spent 13 months in detention, the court ruled that the period would be deducted from his sentence, leaving him to serve 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre. The judge declined a plea by defense counsel for him to remain at the Agunechemba facility, stating that it is not a recognized correctional centre.
Additionally, the court ordered the destruction of his shrine in Oba and barred him from practicing Okeite upon release. He is also required to publicly renounce the practice in a recorded video and serve as a youth reorientation ambassador, warning against the pursuit of wealth through supernatural means.
