A High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced popular native doctor Onyebuchi Okocha, widely known as “Onyeze Jesus,” to six years in prison and imposed a ₦20 million fine after convicting him under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
The judgement, delivered on Thursday, marks one of the most high-profile convictions secured under the state’s security legislation, which targets criminal activities linked to ritual practices, insecurity and other offences considered threats to public safety.
Although the court found Okocha guilty under the provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, details of the specific counts leading to his conviction were not immediately disclosed.
The conviction comes amid the Anambra State Government’s sustained crackdown on suspected criminal elements, including native doctors accused of promoting or aiding unlawful activities through ritual practices and deceptive claims.
Authorities have repeatedly maintained that the enforcement drive is aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening security and curbing activities believed to fuel crime across the state.
The sentencing of the controversial native doctor is expected to reignite debate over the implementation of Anambra’s homeland security laws and the state’s campaign against individuals allegedly linked to criminality under the guise of traditional spiritual practices.
