Anambra High Court Sentences Native Doctor “Akwa Okuko” to Two Years Imprisonment

Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as “Akwa Okuko tiwara aki,” has been handed a two-year prison sentence by an Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka.
The presiding judge, Jude Obiorah, convicted Nwangwu after he entered into a plea bargain on multiple charges connected to the practice and promotion of “Okeite” — described during proceedings as supernatural worship and the public promotion of wealth without legitimate means.

The offences are punishable under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
Charges and Plea Bargain
Nwangwu had spent 13 months in detention following his arrest by the state security outfit, Agunechemba. He was initially arraigned on allegations including involvement in money rituals, links to kidnapping, dealing in illegal substances, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Under the plea bargain agreement:
Counts 1, 2, 9, and 10 relating to criminal offences under the Criminal Code were struck out.
He was convicted on Counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Justice Obiorah noted that the plea bargain was entered voluntarily and reflected the defendant’s remorse.
Sentence and Fines
The court imposed the following penalties:
Two years’ imprisonment on two counts, to run concurrently.
A fine of ₦2 million each on three separate counts, bringing the total fine to ₦60 million.
In delivering judgment, the court considered the plea bargain, the defendant’s expression of remorse, and his pledge to serve as a youth ambassador promoting entrepreneurship.
Having already spent 13 months in custody, the court ruled that he should serve the remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Additional Orders of the Court
The court further directed:
The immediate demolition and proper documentation of the shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, allegedly used for Okeite practices.
A permanent ban prohibiting him from practising Okeite or promoting wealth through unverifiable supernatural means.
That upon completing his sentence, he must publicly renounce Okeite in a recorded video to be shared on his social media platforms.
That he must function as a youth ambassador for entrepreneurship and public reorientation.
Although the defence team requested that he be allowed to serve his sentence at the Agunechemba facility, the court declined, ruling that the security outfit does not have the legal mandate to detain convicted persons. The judge affirmed that he must complete his term at the Awka Correctional Centre.