Famous native doctor Akwa Okuko has been sentenced to two years in jail and fined N60 million

Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, a well-known native doctor from Anambra, also referred to as Akwa Okuko, has received a two-year prison sentence. 

Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by the Agunechemba Security outfit on charges of facilitating kidnapping and engaging in money rituals, among other offenses. 

He was apprehended alongside two associates, Mr. Okocha, known as Onyeze Jesus, and Mr. Ekene, also called Eke Hit.

All three have been on trial while held in custody by the Agunechemba Security outfit. On Friday, Justice Jude Obiorah delivered the verdict for Nwangwu after he admitted guilt to the charges. 

During the judgment, Justice Obiorah noted that Nwangwu had previously pleaded guilty and had entered into a plea bargain with the state government. 

The judge explained that the two-year sentence on counts three through eight was due to the suspect's display of genuine remorse. 

However, counts one, two, and three were dismissed. The conviction was based on both the criminal code and the Anambra Homeland Law. 

The judge stated, "According to the law, anyone claiming to have the ability to heal or to make someone wealthy through magical means like Okeite faces a two-year prison sentence. 

Anyone practicing Okeite or ezenwanyi in the state is subject to a six-year prison term." 

Nwangwu was convicted on counts three through eight and sentenced to two years in prison, to be served concurrently. 

Additionally, for counts one, five, and eight, Justice Obiorah imposed a fine of N20 million for each count. 

He remarked, "The total fine amounts to N60 million, but due to the remorse shown by the defendant, the fine is waived as the state does not require such funds in this situation. 

He has already spent 13 months in detention, which will be counted towards his sentence, meaning he will serve 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre, rather than at the Agunechemba facility, as requested by his lawyer, since the Agunechemba facility is not a correctional institution." 

The court also issued directives for atonement for his actions. 

The judge stated, "The defendant's shrine in Oba will be destroyed, he must cease practicing Okeite upon his release, and he is required to publicly denounce it in a recorded video statement. 

He will also become an ambassador for youth reorientation and must publicly warn young people against pursuing wealth through supernatural means."