Anambra Native Doctor Receives 11-Month Prison Sentence

On February 27, 2026, Justice Jude Obiora of the High Court in Awka, Anambra State, sentenced Chidozie Nwangwu, a well-known native doctor referred to as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, to an 11-month prison term after he pled guilty to accusations levelled against him by the Anambra State Government.

Nwangwu was jointly charged with two other native practitioners, Onyebuchi Okocha (alias Onyeze Jesus) and Ekene Igboekweze (alias Eke Hit), in connection with cases numbered A/40C/2025, A/41C/2025, and A/42C/2025.

The state government’s charges included conspiracy to commit felony, notably kidnapping; fraudulent practices based on claims of supernatural abilities; endorsing rituals related to “Oke Ite,” which authorities claim are linked to the enhancement of criminal activities and the misuse of ritualistic items; and contravening the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which Governor Chukwuma Soludo put in place to tackle native doctors who allegedly offer protective services to criminals.

Pursuant to a plea bargain reached between the involved parties, the court convicted him on counts three through eight, while counts one, two, nine, and ten were dismissed by the court.

Having already spent thirteen months in custody, the judge directed that Nwangwu should serve the remaining eleven months of his sentence at the Awka Correctional Center, notwithstanding the court's waiver of a fine totaling sixty million naira imposed on the state government.

In a notable ruling, the court mandated the destruction of Oba's shrine, with Nwangwu prohibited from further practicing Oke Ite or administering such charms. Additionally, he is set to be designated an ambassador for youth re- orientation and entrepreneurship, a role to commence upon his release.

Upon finishing his prison term, Nwangwu is expected to issue a public declaration renouncing Oke Ite and similar charm methods. Sylvester Iwuoba, the attorney representing Nwangwu, stated that the verdict stemmed from an accord with the state government, affirming that the defendant is committed to upholding his part of the agreement.