Rituals, Arrests, and Controversy: Native Doctors Face Justice Amid Rising Security Tensions in Anambra [VIDEO]

 

Awka, Nigeria – April 4, 2025

Three native doctors at the center of a high-stakes legal and cultural drama in Anambra State appeared before an Awka High Court on Friday, only to have their case postponed yet again. Presiding over the matter, Honourable Justice Jude Obiora adjourned proceedings until April 11, citing the need for proper service and arraignment procedures to be duly followed.

The defendants—Onyebuchi Okocha, famously known as Onyeze Jesus, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and Ekene Igboekweze, alias Eke Hit—were arrested earlier this year in a sweeping crackdown led by the Anambra State government targeting alleged ritualists and purveyors of spiritual services believed to be linked to crime.

Their charges range from facilitating "money rituals" and "oke ite" (a local term for powerful charms), to allegedly preparing charms for use by criminal elements. The accused were reportedly apprehended at their individual shrines and homes in February by operatives of the newly established security outfit Agunechemba, under a broader security initiative spearheaded by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

This operation followed the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which paved the way for a multi-pronged security offensive that includes Agunechemba and the tactical unit known as Operation Udo-ga-chi. The move came amidst concerns that the activities of some native doctors were exacerbating insecurity across the state.

Courtroom drama ensued Friday morning as the accused were brought before the bench at exactly 11:58 am. The prosecution, led by Counsel F. C. Okeke, was reportedly unavailable for post-hearing comments. However, defense lawyer Remigus Okoli, representing the trio, was vocal in his criticism of the state’s legal approach.

Speaking to reporters shortly after court adjourned, Okoli described the state's strategy as a "ploy to remand" his clients without proper procedural adherence. “This is a fundamental issue of justice. Every accused person is entitled to a fair trial, which includes proper service and adequate time to prepare their defense,” he asserted, emphasizing that constitutional guarantees were being overlooked.

Public reaction to the arrests and the ongoing trial has been mixed. While some view the state government’s actions as a necessary step toward restoring peace and order, others believe that traditional religious practitioners are being unfairly targeted. Protests have erupted in various towns across Anambra, with adherents of indigenous spiritual practices alleging religious persecution.

“It’s not just about these three men. This is about our heritage being put on trial,” said a protester at a recent demonstration in Nnewi. “We condemn any criminal acts, but you can’t criminalize a whole belief system.”

The case now sits at the confluence of law, culture, and politics, bringing into sharp focus the broader debate over the place of traditional practices in a modernizing Nigerian society. As April 11 approaches, all eyes will remain on the Awka courtroom for what may become a landmark ruling—one that could redefine the legal boundaries for spiritual practices in Anambra State and beyond.

The outcome will not only affect the lives of the three embattled native doctors but may also set a precedent for how the state interprets and enforces laws relating to traditional religion and public safety in years to come.