By Kalu Idika
An Anambra State High Court has sentenced a native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko, to 11 months’ imprisonment.
Nwangwu pleaded guilty to charges related to money ritual practices and acquiring wealth through ritual means.
While delivering judgment on Friday, the court convicted him on three counts, with the sentence to run concurrently.
Nwangwu was arrested in 2025 for allegedly collecting ₦800,000 from a victim under the guise of helping him become wealthy.
He claimed to have used the money for rituals, promising the victim would become a millionaire within months.
The court also ordered Nwangwu to refund the ₦800,000 to the victim or face an additional three years’ imprisonment.
He was also accused of making talismans believed to be used by kidnappers and armed robbers, as well as aiding criminal elements through charms and other related means.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the trial judge ordered that Nwangwu’s ‘Oba Shrine’ be destroyed and directed that he must cease all forms of Okeite practice and refrain from administering such charms in the future.
The court further ruled that upon completion of his jail term at the Awka Correctional Centre, Nwangwu must publicly denounce Okeite and similar charm practices.
He was also mandated to serve as an Ambassador for youth re-orientation as part of efforts to discourage young people from engaging in ritual-related activities.
Credit: Diaspora Digital Media