Money Ritual Trial: Anambra Native Doctor, ‘Akwa Okuko’ Sentenced to Two Years Jail Term

By Praise Chinecherem

A High Court in Anambra State has sentenced popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges linked to the practice of Okeite and related offences.

Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit over allegations of aiding and abetting kidnapping and engaging in money ritual activities.

He was arrested alongside two other native doctors — Mr. Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, and Mr. Ekene, also known as Eke Hit.

The trio had been standing trial while in the custody of the Agunechemba outfit.

Judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Jude Obiorah in Suit Nos. A/40C/2025, A/41C/2025 and A/42C/2025, following Nwangwu’s guilty plea and plea bargain agreement with the Anambra State Government.

Justice Obiorah said the defendant’s admission of guilt and expression of remorse influenced the court’s decision.

He sentenced Nwangwu to two years imprisonment on counts three, four, five, six, seven and eight. The sentences are to run concurrently.

The court struck out counts one, two and three in the charge sheet.

Justice Obiorah explained that the conviction was based on provisions of both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Security Law.

Citing the law, the judge stated that any person who claims to possess powers to heal or make individuals wealthy through magical means such as Okeite is liable to two years imprisonment.

He added that anyone who practices Okeite or ezenwanyi in the state faces up to six years imprisonment under the law.

On counts one, five and eight, the court initially imposed a fine of N20 million each, bringing the total fine to N60 million.

However, the judge waived the fine in consideration of the defendant’s remorse, stating that “such money in such circumstance is not needed by the state.”

Justice Obiorah also ruled that the 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in detention would be deducted from his sentence.

As a result, he will serve the remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre.

The court rejected his counsel’s plea for him to complete his sentence at the Agunechemba facility, noting that the outfit does not operate a recognised correctional centre.

Beyond the custodial sentence, the court issued a series of mandatory orders as part of what it described as atonement measures.

The judge ordered that Nwangwu’s shrine in Oba be destroyed. He further barred him from practising Okeite or administering such charms from the date of his release.

The court also directed that upon completing his sentence, Nwangwu must make a public statement — recorded on video — denouncing Okeite and similar charm practices.

In addition, he is to serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, publicly cautioning young people against seeking wealth through supernatural means.

With the ruling, the court signaled a firm stance against ritual-related practices and activities deemed to threaten public safety in the state.

Nwangwu’s conviction marks one of the most high-profile cases prosecuted under Anambra’s homeland security framework, as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminality linked to ritual practices and illicit wealth schemes.