Court Delivers Verdict on Notorious Fake Native Doctor
Justice Jude Obiora of an Awka High Court on July 17 sentenced a high-profile fake native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment and a N20 million fine. Onyeze Jesus, which translates to ‘Jesus the King,’ had been in detention for approximately one year and six months on charges of enriching people through supernatural means and money doubling, contravening Section 18 of the Anambra State Homeland Laws.
Charges and Court Findings
Onyeze Jesus faced a three-count charge: propagating money-making through supernatural means on his social media handles, running Oke-Ite spiritual practices, and money doubling. In his judgment, Justice Obiora dismissed the second and third charges but upheld the first count charge. The judge noted that Onyeze Jesus admitted to being the person in viral videos, owning the social media handles, and voicing and propagating the act of making money through supernatural means rather than through lawful means of acquiring wealth.
Justice Obiora ruled that allegations of ritual murder or money doubling could not be proven, as there was no evidence or persons who testified to have benefited from the practices. The court found the defendant guilty only of promoting illegal wealth acquisition through supernatural claims.
Defendant Pleads for Mercy
As the judge handed down the sentence, the accused broke down in tears, kneeling at the witness box and pleading for the court to temper justice with mercy. “My Lord please temper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and this is the first time that I am having a court case. Since February last year that I was arrested and have been in custody, I do not know the whereabouts of my wife and my twin children who depend on me as the breadwinner. 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,” he cried.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Anambra State authorities to crack down on fraudulent spiritual practices that exploit vulnerable individuals. The sentence serves as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities.
