Anambra Native Doctor Akwa Okuko Sentenced to Two Years in Prison Over Okeite and Kidnapping Allegations
A Federal High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a well-known Anambra-based native doctor, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to two years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to multiple criminal charges.
The conviction follows his February 2025 arrest by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit over allegations bordering on aiding and abetting kidnapping, money ritual activities, and related offences. PulseNets learned that Nwangwu was apprehended alongside two other native doctors, Mr. Okocha, popularly called Onyeze Jesus, and Mr. Ekene, also known as Eke Hit.
All three suspects had been standing trial while in the custody of the Agunechemba Security Outfit. However, proceedings took a decisive turn on Friday when Justice Jude Obiorah delivered judgment after Nwangwu pleaded guilty to the charges filed against him.
During the court session, Justice Obiorah disclosed that the defendant had earlier entered into a plea bargain arrangement with the Anambra State Government. The court noted that the plea bargain and demonstrated remorse significantly influenced the sentencing decision.
PulseNets learnt that the trial judge sentenced Nwangwu to two years’ imprisonment on counts three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, citing what he described as “reasonable remorse” shown by the convict. Counts one, two, and three were struck out.
The court further clarified that the conviction was secured under both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Security Law, reinforcing the state government’s crackdown on ritual-related practices and criminal complicity.
In his pronouncement, Justice Obiorah declared:
“Under the law, anyone who claims to possess powers to heal, or make one rich through certain magical means like Okeite is liable to two years imprisonment.
Any person in the state who practices Okeite or ezenwanyi is liable to six years in prison.”
The judge convicted Nwangwu on counts three through eight and ordered that the two-year prison terms run concurrently.
On counts one, five, and eight, the court imposed a fine of N20 million on each count. However, Justice Obiorah subsequently waived the cumulative N60 million fine.
He stated:
“The total fine sums up to N60 million, but because of the remorse shown by the accused, the fine is now waived as such money in such circumstance is not needed by the state.
He has spent 13 months in detention already, same will be computed into his sentence, so he will serve the 11 months of his sentence in Awka Correctional Centre, as against plea by his counsel for him to serve in Agunechemba facility. This is because the Agunechemba facility is not a correctional centre.”
PulseNets reported that the court also issued additional mandatory directives as part of what it described as atonement measures.
Also Read: Kidnapped Anambra Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko Freed ‘After Paying N300m Ransom’
Justice Obiorah ordered:
“The shrine of the defendant in Oba shall be destroyed, he shall from the date of release no longer practice Okeite and must make public statement denouncing it. The statement shall be recorded in video.
He will be made ambassador of youth reorientation and must make public statement cautioning youths against seeking wealth through supernatural means.”
The ruling marks a significant development in Anambra State’s enforcement of laws targeting ritual practices, money ritual networks, and alleged spiritual fraud operations, as authorities intensify security operations across the region.
