An Anambra State High Court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, has sentenced popular native doctor from Umuofor Village, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area, Mr. Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” to years imprisonment.
Igboekweze was sentenced to six years on count one and another six years on count two. The sentences are to run concurrently, without an option of fine, with the period already spent in detention taken into consideration.
Angel Network News (ANN) recalls that the convict and other native doctors were arraigned before the court on April 4, 2025, on charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, preparation of protective charms for criminals and money rituals.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants engaged in activities prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, signed into law by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The law prohibits native doctors from claiming to make people wealthy through “oke ite” and other rituals, as well as preparing charms for criminals.
In his defence, Eke Hit, who described himself as a registered herbalist and member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, told the court that he only used herbs and roots in his traditional practice. He also argued that videos of him that went viral on social media were old content created before the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
Delivering judgment, Justice Obiora held that the prosecution had proved counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, while count three was resolved in favour of the defendant.
Before sentencing, Eke Hit pleaded for forgiveness, saying he had learnt his lesson. He also appealed to the court to consider his family, particularly his newborn triplets whom he said he had not yet seen.
In separate pleas for leniency, one of his two wives, Elizabeth, and his half-brother, Chief Mike, testified to his good conduct. They described him as a kind person who cared for those around him and said he was the only son of his mother in a polygamous family.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to Eke Hit, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, said the court had shown consideration by waiving the ₦40 million fine attached to the two charges.
Also speaking, Barrister Fabian Okeke of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice said the judgment would help protect society from what he described as dangerous trends capable of undermining human creativity and discouraging meaningful economic ventures.
Eke Hit became widely known on social media for advertising charms purportedly capable of attracting wealth, among other claims. He was arrested by Agunechemba security personnel in February 2025 alongside two other popular native doctors.
