Quick Summary:
Popular Anambra native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Okuko, gets two-year jail term after pleading guilty to aiding kidnapping and money ritual charges under Anambra Homeland Law.
The High Court of Anambra State has sentenced popular native doctor, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko, to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including aiding kidnapping and money rituals.
Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit, alongside two other native doctors — Mr. Okocha (Onyeze Jesus) and Mr. Ekene (Eke Hit).
The trio had been on trial while being remanded in Agunechemba custody, but on Friday, Justice Jude Obiorah delivered judgment on Nwangwu’s case following a plea bargain with the Anambra State Government.
Judge Cites Remorse, Applies Concurrent Sentences
Justice Obiorah said the court considered Nwangwu’s remorse and cooperation in determining the sentence.
He convicted the native doctor on counts three to eight, sentencing him to two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.
The judge struck out counts one, two, and three, noting that the conviction was based on both the Criminal Code and the Anambra Homeland Law.
Fines Waived, Detention Period Counted
The court also imposed ₦20 million fines on counts one, five, and eight, totaling ₦60 million, but waived the fines due to the remorse shown by the convict.
Justice Obiorah ruled that Nwangwu’s 13 months in detention would be deducted from his sentence, leaving 11 months to serve at the Awka Correctional Centre.
He rejected the defense’s plea for the sentence to be served at the Agunechemba facility, citing its lack of correctional infrastructure.
Court Orders Shrine Demolition, Public Atonement
As part of the judgment, the court ordered the destruction of Nwangwu’s shrine in Oba and directed that he cease all Okeite practices.
He must also make a public video statement denouncing such practices and serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, warning young people against seeking wealth through supernatural means.
