The Anambra State High Court in Awka convicted Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as “Onyeze Jesus”, to six years in prison and a ₦20 million fine for violating the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora announced the verdict on Friday, convicting Okocha on one of three charges brought against him after his arrest in February 2025 during a security operation on suspected local doctors.
The defendant was accused of using social media to promote wealth through supernatural methods, creating charms for criminals, participating in “Oke-Ite” ceremonies, and engaging in money-doubling schemes.
The court, however, found him guilty merely of deceiving the public by claiming to have supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through illegal spiritual activities.
Justice Obiora ruled that Okocha admitted to being the person depicted in the viral videos that spread on social media and acknowledged ownership of the accounts used to promote the accusations.
The judge concluded that the defendant promoted the notion that money might be obtained through supernatural methods rather than lawful labour.
He did, however, release Okocha on the other two charges after the prosecution failed to substantiate claims of ritual killings and money-doubling activities.
According to the judge, there was no evidence or witnesses to prove that anyone benefitted from the claimed ceremonies.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora observed, “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.”
Before being sentenced, Okocha burst into tears and begged the judge for 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, when 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 said.
In response to the decision, Okocha’s lawyer, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, stated that the defence would review the Certified True Copy of the decision before deciding on its next course of action.
“According to the court, he was given the maximum sentence, and we shall apply for the certified true copy of the judgement, and we will look into it and then know the appropriate steps to take.
“According to the law, the sentence can run concurrently, and he was sentenced in count 1 and discharged in counts 2 and 3,” he said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described the judgement as a strong affirmation of the state’s Homeland Security Law.
“We believe that the sentencing and the fine as prescribed by the law and the number of years to be spent in a custodial facility are quite in order, and it will serve as a deterrent to others.
“We know that the Anambra Homeland Security law 2025 is fully in force, and I believe that it is what was tested today by the judiciary, and I can only advise people who are into this kind of criminal conduct, as identified in Section 18, Subsection 1, which talks about ‘Oke-Ite’, such harmful practices that are confusing our youths, making them believe that wealth without work is possible.
“This judgement put a very effective conclusion to it, and whoever is found would face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Mefor emphasised that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration was not opposed to traditional religion or religious practice but would continue to crack down on those who use religion or spiritual claims to deceive the people.
He also revealed that the seven pastors previously charged under the same law are still in detention pending the outcome of their cases.
“The arraigned pastors are in detention as directed by the court, and they will continue to have their days in custody until they are found guilty or discharged by the court,” he added.
