An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka 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 counts filed against him under the Anambra State Homeland Security Laws. The convict had been in detention for about one year and six months following his arrest over allegations of claiming to enrich people through supernatural powers and promoting money-doubling schemes.
The prosecution accused Okocha of using his social media platforms to propagate claims that people could become wealthy through supernatural means. He was also charged with operating the controversial Oke-Ite spiritual practice and engaging in money-doubling activities.
In his judgment, Justice Obiora dismissed the second and third counts, holding that the prosecution failed to establish allegations relating to ritual killings and money-doubling because no credible evidence or witnesses were presented to prove the claims.
However, the judge upheld the first count, noting that Okocha admitted he was the person featured in the viral videos and acknowledged ownership of the social media accounts through which he promoted the idea of acquiring wealth through supernatural means instead of lawful enterprise.
Following the verdict, Okocha broke down in tears and knelt in the witness box, pleading with the court for leniency.
“My Lord, please temper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and the first time I have appeared before a court. Since my arrest in February last year, I have been in custody and do not know the whereabouts of my wife and my twin children, who depend on me as their breadwinner. Also, three widows who relied on me have died because there was no one to care for them,” he pleaded.
