A well-known physician from Anambra, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, commonly known as Akwa Okuko, was given a two-year prison sentence.
A well-known physician from Anambra, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, commonly known as Akwa Okuko, was given a two-year prison sentence.Agunechemba Security agents detained Nwangwu in February 2025 on charges of aiding and abetting kidnapping and money rituals, among other offenses.The local physician was then taken into custody along with two of his coworkers, Mr. Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Mr. Ekene, popularly known as Eke Hit.All three have been on trial while being held under remand by the Agunechemba Security group. However, on Friday, Justice Jude Obiorah read the verdict on Nwangwu after he entered a guilty plea to the allegations against him.After reading the verdict, Justice Obiorah disclosed that the indigenous physician had previously negotiated a plea agreement with the state government and admitted guilt to the charges against him.The judge stated that the suspect’s reasonable regret was the reason for the sentence of two years in jail on counts three, four, five, six, seven, and eight.Nonetheless, he dismissed the first, second, and third allegations against him.
He claimed that the Anambra Homeland Law and the criminal code served as the foundation for Nwangwu’s conviction.”Anyone who claims to possess powers to heal or make one rich through certain magical means like Okeite is liable to two years imprisonment under the law,” he declared.
“Any person in the state who practices Okeite or ezenwanyi is liable to six years in prison.”He found the local doctors guilty on counts three, four, and eight, and he was given a concurrent two-year prison sentence.Justice Obiorah further punished the accused N20 million on counts one, five, and eight.He stated, “The total fine is N60 million, but due to the accused’s remorse, the fine is now waived because the state does not need such money in this situation.”
He has already spent 13 months in detention, and that amount will be factored into his sentence; therefore, he will serve the remaining 11 months in Awka Correctional Center, despite his attorney’s request that he be sent to Agunechemba facility.
This is due to the Agunechemba facility’s non-correctional status.However, as restitution for his transgressions, the court issued directives that must be followed. The judge declared:
“The defendant’s shrine in Oba will be demolished, he will cease practicing Okeite on the day of his release, and he must publicly condemn it. The statement will be captured on camera.The judge declared, “He will be appointed ambassador of youth reorientation and must make a public statement cautioning youths against seeking wealth through supernatural means.”
- Arrest and Charges against Chidozie Nwangwu: Chidozie Nwangwu, a physician from Anambra known as Akwa Okuko, was detained by security agents in February 2025 on charges including aiding kidnapping and money rituals, along with two accomplices.
- Guilty Plea and Sentencing: Nwangwu pleaded guilty to several charges, leading to a two-year prison sentence as the court considered his remorse, while some allegations were dismissed due to earlier plea agreement.
- Legal Basis for Conviction: His conviction was based on the Anambra Homeland Law and the criminal code, which prohibit practices like Okeite and ezenwanyi, punishable by imprisonment.
- Additional Penalties and Fine Waiver: Nwangwu was fined N20 million for certain counts, but the fine was waived due to his remorse; he has already served 13 months and will serve the remaining 11 months.
- Court-Mandated Restitution and Reorientation Campaigns: The court ordered the demolition of his shrine, cessation of practicing Okeite, and a public condemnation, with Nwangwu appointed as ambassador for youth reorientation to caution against supernatural wealth pursuits.
Discover more from Headline Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Juju nor dey work again