Anambra Native Doctors Plead Not Guilty to Money Ritual Charges, Case Adjourned to May

 

Three well-known native doctors in Anambra State—Chidozie Nwangwu (popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki”), Onyebuchi Okocha (“Onyeze Jesus”), and Ekene Igboekweze (“Eke Hit”)—have entered not guilty pleas to criminal charges leveled against them by the Anambra State Government.

The defendants appeared before Justice Jude Obiorah of the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Friday, where they were formally arraigned in a case that has drawn public attention across the southeastern region and beyond. The charges against them revolve around alleged involvement in aiding criminal activities through the use of charms, as well as conducting money rituals for suspected offenders.

Each of the accused was docked separately and denied all allegations during the court proceedings. Their legal teams, on their part, insist the accusations are unfounded and politically or emotionally motivated rather than supported by credible evidence.

The case stems from a broader crackdown by the Anambra State Government on suspected ritual practices and the activities of traditional spiritualists believed to be fueling crime through occult means. This follows the establishment of a state-backed security outfit known as Agunechemba under the new Homeland Security law. The suspects were initially apprehended nearly a month prior and were first arraigned on April 4, 2025.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had earlier ordered a sweeping clampdown on native doctors believed to be connected to ritual killings and spiritual fortification of criminals. This directive was part of his administration’s Operation Udogachi, a security initiative launched to disrupt activities tied to spiritual crime and cleanse the state of what he termed as “unethical traditional practices fueling insecurity.”

After the arraignment, the court adjourned the matter to May 16, 2025. On that date, the court is expected to continue proceedings and also make a ruling on the various bail applications that have been filed on behalf of the accused.

Sir Bath Okafor-Ezedinobi, lead counsel for Onyebuchi Okocha, publicly condemned the charges as lacking merit. Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, he stated, “These charges are baseless and should be withdrawn. We believe our client is being wrongfully targeted.” He further disclosed that in addition to seeking bail at the state level, a fundamental rights enforcement suit has also been filed at the Federal High Court in Awka to challenge what he described as the unlawful detention of his client.

Chidozie Nwangwu’s lawyer, Kelvin Akunne, echoed similar sentiments. He expressed deep concern over the length of time his client spent in custody prior to arraignment, arguing that the delay amounts to a violation of Nwangwu’s constitutional rights. “He has been kept for too long without being brought to court. We are confident that justice will favor our client once due process is followed,” Akunne said.

Ekene Igboekweze’s defense team, while less vocal after Friday’s session, has also consistently maintained their client’s innocence.

The state government, meanwhile, has remained firm in its stance that such practices cannot be tolerated in a modern Anambra. Officials argue that the glorification of native doctors as “miracle workers” or “wealth providers” has contributed to a growing culture of ritualistic crime, especially among the youth seeking quick wealth.

With the next court session just weeks away, the case is likely to remain in the public eye, touching on not just legal arguments but also broader questions about cultural practices, freedom of belief, and the responsibilities of traditional figures in contemporary Nigerian society.

Whether the state can prove its claims beyond reasonable doubt—or whether this turns out to be a high-profile case that fizzles in court—remains to be seen. For now, the accused remain in custody, awaiting the court’s decision on their bid for bail.