Embattled Anambra native doctor Ekene Igwekweze, widely known as Eke Hit, has made fresh claims in court as his trial took a new twist. Appearing before the Anambra State High Court in Awka, he alleged that Agunechemba security operatives invaded his home in early 2025 during an arrest attempt and carted away valuables. The native doctor is facing a four-count charge that includes assisting criminal elements, obtaining by false pretence, fraud through supernatural claims, and promoting Oke Ite rituals linked to money-making and criminal fortification.
Eke Hit's Account of the Raid
During cross-examination on Monday, May 11, Eke Hit told the court that Agunechemba operatives broke into his compound, damaged windows and doors, and allegedly took $75,000 in an envelope, a laptop, two Infinix phones, four car keys, five motorcycle keys, three necklaces, a wristwatch, and other valuables. He stated that he was away at a birthday party when his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Igwekweze, called to inform him of the invasion. He then contacted his kinsman, Chief Ken Emeakayi, who heads the Agunechemba security outfit, who confirmed awareness of the operation and invited him to their headquarters in Awka. Upon arrival, he was arrested and detained.
Eke Hit claimed he was made to write a statement about his activities as a native doctor and was pressured to admit to engaging in Oke Ite ritual practices, which he refused. He also argued that his arrest occurred before the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, came into force, making it unlawful. He expressed surprise that despite Governor Charles Soludo's January 28, 2025 deadline for native doctors to stop Oke Ite rituals, he was arrested on January 11, 2025, when he visited the Agunechemba headquarters on invitation.
Denial of Ritual Practices
When prosecuting counsel Mr. C.B. Obi (SAN) questioned him about his practices, Eke Hit stated that he is a registered herbalist and traditional healer with a certificate and a member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association. He explained that his work includes divination, preparing good luck charms, and administering herbs and roots for various ailments. He denied engaging in Oke Ite or any criminal charms, insisting that his preparations involve only herbs and roots, with no blood or human parts. He mentioned that after the governor's crackdown announcement in November 2024, he stopped all traditional practices, including divination.
Eke Hit claimed that viral social media videos showing him preparing Oke Ite charms were old clips created for content before the Homeland Security Law came into force. He also noted that when police and Agunechemba operatives searched his home in Okija, nothing incriminating was found. He argued that no one has come forward to say he prepared Oke Ite charms for them since his detention over a year ago.
Prosecution's Counterclaims
The prosecuting counsel countered that the defendant's account differed from the evidence and exhibits presented in court. He stated that video clips, including those played in court, showed Eke Hit claiming to prepare Oke Ite charms for people. After hearing arguments, the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, adjourned the case to June 15, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
Wife and Defence Counsel Speak
Speaking after the court session, Eke Hit's wife, Elizabeth Igwekweze, insisted that her husband does not prepare Oke Ite for criminals, kidnappers, or armed robbers. She said he specializes in using herbs and roots to treat ailments and that social media videos were for content creation only. The defence counsel, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Egbunonu, maintained that his client is innocent and vowed to pursue the case until justice is served.
