A High Court sitting in Anambra State has convicted and sentenced self-acclaimed spiritual leader, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onye Eze Jesus, to six years imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine on him over offences connected to his controversial spiritual activities.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, came about one year after his arrest during the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on suspected criminal native doctors and self-proclaimed spiritualists across the state.
The court found Okocha guilty of offences bordering on claims of supernatural powers for wealth creation and the operation of spiritual schemes, including the widely discussed “Oke-Ite” rituals, which prosecutors said deceived members of the public and contravened provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
In delivering the judgment, the court held that individuals who falsely claim mystical abilities to create wealth through prohibited means or engage in activities outlawed by the state’s security law are liable to criminal sanctions.
Consequently, the court sentenced Onye Eze Jesus to six years imprisonment and ordered him to pay a ₦20 million fine.
The conviction has generated reactions from members of the public, with many describing it as another major development in the state government’s enforcement of the Homeland Security Law, which targets activities allegedly linked to insecurity, fraudulent wealth schemes, and the preparation of charms for criminal purposes.
Okocha’s arrest followed the launch of Operation Udo Ga-Achị by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration in February 2025. The operation was introduced as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and dismantle criminal networks, including suspected kidnappers, cult groups, and individuals accused of using spiritual practices to facilitate criminal activities.
During the operation, security operatives searched Onye Eze Jesus’ premises after authorities accused him of promoting practices considered inconsistent with the provisions of the newly enacted law.
His case is among several high-profile prosecutions that emerged from the state government’s security campaign.
Months before Friday’s judgment, another popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Ọkụkọ Tiwara Akị, was sentenced after facing prosecution under the same security framework. His shrine was also demolished following his arrest.
Another self-acclaimed native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as Eke Hit, who was arrested during the February 2025 crackdown, is also facing prosecution over allegations bordering on activities said to violate the Homeland Security Law.
The Anambra State Government has repeatedly stated that the enforcement exercise is not aimed at genuine traditional beliefs or cultural practices, but at individuals accused of exploiting spirituality and traditional institutions to deceive people, promote criminal activities, or undermine public safety.
