A popular Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for offences related to aiding kidnapping and involvement in money rituals
Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit alongside two others, Mr Okocha (Onyeze Jesus) and Mr Ekene (Eke Hit), and had been standing trial while in custody.
On Friday, Justice Jude Obiorah delivered judgment after Nwangwu pleaded guilty to the charges, noting that the convict had entered into a plea bargain with the Anambra State Government and demonstrated reasonable remorse.
The court sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on counts three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, with the sentences to run concurrently. Counts one, two, and three were struck out.
The conviction was grounded in both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Law. Justice Obiorah explained, “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.”
On counts one, five, and eight, the court imposed fines of ₦20 million each, totaling ₦60 million. However, the judge waived the fines due to Nwangwu’s remorse, stating that such money was not needed by the state.
The 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in detention were deducted from his sentence, leaving him with 11 months to serve at the Awka Correctional Centre. Justice Obiorah rejected a plea for him to serve the sentence at the Agunechemba facility, noting it is not a recognised correctional centre.
The court also imposed conditions for atonement. “The shrine of the defendant in Oba shall be destroyed. From the date of release, he shall no longer practice Okeite and must make a public statement denouncing it, recorded on video,” the judge ordered.
“He will be made an ambassador of youth reorientation and must make public statements cautioning youths against seeking wealth through supernatural means,” Justice Obiorah added.
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