Awka High Court Jails Native Doctor Akwa Okuko for 11 Months Over Ritual Offences

A High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to 11 months in prison after he admitted to charges linked to ritual-related crimes.

The judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Jude Obiorah following Nwangwu’s guilty plea to charges brought against him by the Anambra State Government. The court found him culpable of engaging in money ritual practices and producing charms allegedly used to facilitate criminal activities.

Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit over allegations that he supported kidnapping and other unlawful acts through ritual services. He was arraigned alongside other traditionalists accused of promoting ritual practices associated with illicit wealth acquisition.

In its ruling, the court held that the convict acknowledged preparing protective charms for individuals involved in criminal conduct. He was also accused of supplying spiritual items allegedly used by kidnappers and armed robbers.

Beyond the custodial sentence, the court imposed financial penalties of N20 million each on selected counts. Justice Obiorah further ordered the demolition of Nwangwu’s Oba Shrine and directed him to desist from practising Okeite and similar ritual activities.

The demolition exercise was supervised by Ben Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on community security. Items recovered from the shrine, including ritual objects and symbolic materials, were destroyed during the operation.

The court also ruled that upon completing his sentence at the Awka Correctional Centre, Nwangwu must publicly renounce involvement in Okeite practices. In addition, he is expected to serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation as part of efforts to discourage young people from engaging in ritual-related crimes.

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