An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as 'Onyeze Jesus,' to six years in prison and imposed a ₦20 million fine. Justice Jude Obiora delivered the verdict on Friday, July 17, 2026, finding Okocha guilty on one of three charges brought against him under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Court Finds Okocha Guilty of Misleading the Public
Okocha, a native doctor, was arrested in February 2025 during a government crackdown on suspected native doctors. The prosecution had filed three allegations: promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means on social media, preparing charms for criminals, and conducting 'Oke-Ite' rituals alongside money-doubling schemes. However, the court convicted him only on the first count.
Justice Obiora ruled that Okocha propagated the belief that people could become wealthy through prohibited spiritual practices rather than legitimate work. The judge noted that Okocha personally acknowledged appearing in viral social media videos and owning the accounts used to spread these claims. According to the judge, 'Individuals who claim supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through prohibited practices or preparing charms outlawed by the Anambra Homeland Security Law are liable to imprisonment and financial penalties.'
The court discharged Okocha on the remaining two counts due to insufficient evidence and lack of witnesses to confirm that anyone benefited from the alleged rituals or that the money-doubling and criminal charm-making allegations were substantiated.
Native Doctor Pleads for Mercy Before Sentencing
Before the sentence was passed, Okocha broke down in tears in the dock and appealed for leniency. He told the court, 'My Lord please tamper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and this is the first time that I am having a court case.' He added that he had been in custody since his arrest and had lost contact with his wife and twin children, who depend on him as their sole provider. 'Also since I have been in custody three widows who depend on me have all died due to the fact that there is no one taking care of them.' Despite his plea, the court imposed the custodial sentence and fine.
Background and Related Cases
The case is part of a broader crackdown in Anambra State on individuals claiming supernatural powers for financial gain. In a separate case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned a self-styled native doctor and his wife over an alleged N1.1 billion fraud, with proceeds linked to properties in Ado-Ekiti. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court is set to hear their bail application on June 11, 2026.
