By Sunny A. David, Awka
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced self-acclaimed native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment and imposed a fine of N20 million after finding him guilty of promoting wealth through supernatural means.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Jude Obiora, followed Okocha’s prosecution under Section 18 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The court held that he used his social media platforms to encourage claims that wealth could be obtained through mystical powers rather than legitimate means.
The court, however, discharged the defendant on two other counts relating to alleged money-doubling activities and ritual practices, ruling that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support those allegations. Justice Obiora noted that no witness testified to benefiting from the alleged schemes, while claims of ritual-related activities were also not proven.
Okocha had spent about one year and six months in detention after his arrest by the Anambra State Government during its crackdown on individuals accused of deceiving members of the public through dubious spiritual practices.
Before the sentence was pronounced, the convict appealed for mercy, telling the court it was his first offence. He said he had been in custody since February last year and expressed concern over the welfare of his wife, twin children and other dependants, pleading for leniency.
Reacting to the verdict, counsel to the convict, Sir Bath Okafor Ezedinobi, said the legal team would obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment to study the court’s reasoning before deciding on the next line of action, including the possibility of an appeal.
Speaking after the judgment, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the ruling as a significant affirmation of the state’s Homeland Security Law. He said the judgment would discourage individuals involved in fraudulent spiritual practices and reinforce the government’s campaign against activities that mislead young people into believing wealth can be acquired without lawful means.
Mefor stressed that the Soludo administration is not opposed to traditional religion or genuine religious practice but remains committed to tackling criminal activities perpetrated under the guise of religion or spirituality.
He also confirmed that the seven pastors earlier arraigned under the same law remain in custody pending the determination of their cases by the court.
