An Anambra State High Court has sentenced popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to two years imprisonment for offences linked to money rituals and related criminal activities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Jude Obiorah after Nwangwu pleaded guilty to multiple charges filed by the Anambra State Government. The court also ordered the demolition of his shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, as part of the penalties imposed.
Akwa Okuko was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit following allegations of aiding and abetting kidnapping, preparing charms for criminals, and involvement in ritual practices associated with sudden wealth. He was arrested alongside two other suspects, Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Ekene, popularly called Eke Hit, who are still facing prosecution.
In its ruling, the court held that the native doctor admitted to engaging in prohibited ritual practices, including Okeite, and producing talismans allegedly used by kidnappers and armed robbers. The judge stated that such practices violate both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Justice Obiorah sentenced Nwangwu to two years imprisonment on six counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Although the court initially imposed fines totalling ₦60 million, the fines were later waived in consideration of the defendant’s expression of remorse. The 13 months he had already spent in detention were deducted from the sentence, leaving him to serve the remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Beyond the jail term, the court ordered that Akwa Okuko’s shrine be demolished and barred him from practising Okeite or administering ritual charms after his release. He was also directed to make a public, video-recorded statement renouncing money ritual practices and to serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, warning young people against seeking wealth through supernatural means.
The ruling is part of the Anambra State Government’s intensified crackdown on ritual-related crimes, fake native doctors, and practices linked to insecurity. Authorities say the action is aimed at curbing criminal networks and discouraging the growing get-rich-quick mentality among youths.
