REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
A High Court in Anambra State has sentenced controversial self-acclaimed prophet and native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment with an option of a twenty million naira fine.
The court convicted him on one count under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law for propagating the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Jude Obiora found Onyeze Jesus guilty of the first count charge, which borders on enriching people through supernatural means and money doubling, contrary to Section 18 of the Anambra Homeland Security law.
He was, however, discharged and acquitted on the second and third counts.
The judge noted that the defendant admitted in evidence that he was the person in the viral videos propagating money-making through supernatural means on his social media platforms.
Justice Obiora, however, held that allegations of ritual murder and actual money doubling could not be substantiated as no evidence or witnesses were presented to prove them.
Onyeze Jesus, who had been in detention for about one year and six months, broke down in tears in the dock, pleading for mercy before the sentence was pronounced.
Reacting to the judgment, his counsel, Sir Bath Ezedinobi, described the sentence as maximum saying that they would obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment, review it, and decide on the next line of action.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment in Awka , the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, described the court’s decision as timely and appropriate.
He said the judgment would serve as a strong deterrent to those engaged in such criminal conduct.
Dr. Mefor warned individuals involved in criminal idolatry to retrace their steps or face the full wrath of the law.
He clarified that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is not against traditional worship but firmly opposes criminal idolatry and those who hide under the guise of religion to deceive and mislead the youth.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to value reformation and the protection of citizens, particularly the youth, from exploitative practices.
Onyeze Jesus was arrested alongside other native doctors, including Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) of Oba and another from Ihiala known as Eke-Hit.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that while Akwa Okuko is already serving his sentence, Eke-Hit’s matter has been adjourned to September 26.
