An Awka High Court in Anambra State has sentenced a self-acclaimed native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment with an option of a ₦20 million fine for promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means.
Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday after finding Okocha guilty on one of the three charges brought against him under Section 18 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Laws.
The convict, who has been in detention for about one year and six months, was prosecuted for allegedly using his social media platforms to promote claims that people could become wealthy through supernatural means. He was also accused of operating an Oke-Ite spiritual practice and engaging in money-doubling schemes.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora dismissed the second and third counts relating to ritual murder and money doubling, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
The judge, however, held that the prosecution successfully proved the first charge, noting that the defendant admitted to being the individual featured in the viral videos and acknowledged ownership of the social media accounts used to promote supernatural wealth creation.
According to the court, Okocha’s public messages encouraged the belief that wealth could be acquired through mystical means rather than lawful means, an act that contravenes the state’s homeland security law.
Following the judgment, the convict broke down in tears inside the courtroom and appealed for leniency.
He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, describing the case as his first offence. Okocha also told the court that since his arrest in February last year, he had lost contact with his wife and twin children, who depended on him for survival.
He further claimed that three widows who relied on his support had died during his detention because there was no one to care for them.
Despite the emotional appeal, the court upheld the sentence, bringing to a close the high-profile case that drew widespread public attention in Anambra State.