A self-acclaimed native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuku Tiwara Aki n’Oba, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court sitting in Awka for offences linked to alleged fraudulent and dangerous fetish practices.
The court, however, ordered that part of the sentence should run concurrently with the period Nwangwu has already spent in custody, effectively leaving him with 11 months to complete his jail term at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Delivering the ruling, the judge imposed additional conditions on the convict after the completion of his sentence. According to the court, Nwangwu is to publicly denounce the use and promotion of Oke-ite and similar charms.
“He will become an ambassador for youth reorientation,” the court ruled. “His oba shrine is to be destroyed. He will no longer practise Oke-ite and will not administer such charms. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will make public statements denouncing Oke-ite and such charm practices.”
Nwangwu was arrested last year following a clampdown by the Anambra State Government on what it described as criminal and fraudulent activities, including the alleged preparation of charms for youths in exchange for promises of sudden financial prosperity.
State authorities said the arrest and prosecution were part of broader efforts to curb practices considered harmful to public safety and social order.
The ruling by the High Court Awka underscores the Anambra State Government’s resolve to enforce the law and crack down on activities it considers inimical to the wellbeing of residents.
