A High Court in Anambra State has sentenced controversial spiritual leader and self-acclaimed prophet, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as “Onye Eze Jesus,” to six years imprisonment and imposed a ₦20 million fine after finding him guilty under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
The judgment is part of the Anambra State Government’s ongoing crackdown on alleged ritual practices, fraudulent spiritual activities, and the preparation of charms believed to facilitate criminal activities, including kidnapping and internet fraud.
The case arose from the prosecution of several high-profile native doctors arrested during the state’s security operation launched in February 2025.
Delivering judgment, the trial judge held that individuals who falsely claim supernatural powers capable of making people wealthy through prohibited practices or who prepare charms outlawed by the Anambra Homeland Security Law are liable to imprisonment and financial penalties.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the sentence was in line with the provisions of the law.
“I’m not a judicial officer, so I can’t take a position on that. But we believe that the sentence, the fine imposed, and the custodial term prescribed by the law are appropriate. Together, they will serve as a deterrent to others. People will now understand that the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 is fully in force,” he said.
Dr. Mefor described the judgment as a significant judicial test of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, stating that the court had affirmed its relevance and effectiveness.
He specifically cited Section 18(1) of the law, which criminalizes the preparation and use of “Okeite” and other harmful practices.
According to him, the judgment sends a clear message that anyone engaging in such activities will face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner urged residents of Anambra, particularly those involved in what he described as criminal idolatry, to abandon such practices and pursue legitimate means of livelihood.
“Some people are misleading our youths into believing that wealth without work is possible—that there is some kind of magic money somewhere. That era is over,” he said.
Dr. Mefor also clarified that the Soludo administration is not opposed to traditional religion or lawful traditional worship.
“The government of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is not against traditional worship. What the government is against is criminal idolatry and those who hide behind religion to deceive and mislead our youths. They must stop and embrace honest and decent means of earning a living.”
