An Awka High Court has issued a six-year prison term and a N20 million fine to Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as Onyeze Jesus, for his activities as a fraudulent traditional healer. The ruling coincides with the remand of seven other individuals accused of posing as pastors, who will remain in detention pending the conclusion of their legal proceedings.
Separately, the trial for another alleged fake native doctor, referred to as Eke-Hit, has been pushed to September 26th. Both the defense and prosecution have filed their final written addresses for that case. Onyeze Jesus had been held for eighteen months prior to the verdict on charges related to money rituals under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
Justice Jude Obiora noted that the defendant confessed to creating the viral videos and managing the social media platforms where he claimed to possess the ability to generate wealth. While the court could not substantiate allegations of ritual killings or money doubling due to a lack of evidence or witnesses, the defendant was still sentenced for his actions. Upon hearing the sentence, Okocha wept and requested leniency, citing his status as a first-time offender and explaining the hardships his family and dependents have faced since his arrest.
