An Anambra State High Court has sentenced Ekene Igboekweze, a native doctor from Okija popularly known as 'Eke Hit', to six years in prison after convicting him on two criminal counts related to his social media promotions of wealth charms and ritual services. Justice Jude Obiorah delivered the ruling on Friday, stating that the prosecution proved counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, while clearing Igboekweze on a third count.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village in the Ihiala Local Government Area, was found guilty of advertising charms for wealth, claiming to make clients rich through 'Oke Ite' and other rituals, and of preparing charms for criminals. The court ordered that both six-year sentences run concurrently, with no option of a fine, and credited the time Igboekweze had already spent in detention.
The case stems from his arrest in February 2025 by Agunechemba security personnel, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo's signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. This law explicitly prohibits native doctors from claiming to enrich clients through rituals or providing protective charms to criminals.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Igboekweze was arrested alongside two other prominent native doctors and all three were arraigned before the court on April 4, 2025. They faced charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, preparing charms for criminals, and facilitating money rituals. During his defence, Igboekweze described himself as a registered herbalist and a member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, insisting he worked exclusively with herbs and roots and arguing that the viral videos used as evidence predated the 2025 law.
Before sentencing, Igboekweze appealed for mercy, telling the court he had learned from the experience and asking the judge to consider his family, including newborn triplets he said he had not yet seen. Two character witnesses, his wife Elizabeth and half-brother Chief Mike, testified to his character, describing him as the only son of his mother in a polygamous home and a kind, generous person.
Reactions and Broader Impact
His counsel, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, noted after the proceedings that the court showed leniency by waiving the N40 million fine attached to the two charges. Fabian Okeke, a representative of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, welcomed the verdict, saying it was meant to shield society from practices he described as destructive to human creativity and people's ability to pursue honest livelihoods.
Earlier, Igboekweze had told the court how Agunechemba operatives invaded his home and allegedly took valuables during his arrest operation. He denied allegations of 'Oke Ite' ritual practices and insisted he operated as a registered herbalist with certification. Court proceedings, however, showed conflicting claims between the prosecution's evidence and the defence statements, leading to the final conviction and sentencing.
