An Awka High Court in Anambra State has sentenced a self-acclaimed native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years imprisonment with an option of N20 million fine for promoting supernatural money-making practices.
Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgment on Friday, July 17, after finding Okocha guilty of one of the three-count charges brought against him by the state government.
Okocha, whose name “Onyeze Jesus” translates to “Jesus the King”, had spent about one year and six months in detention following allegations bordering on promoting money-making through supernatural means, money doubling and Oke-Ite spiritual practices.
The convict was charged under Section 18 of the Anambra State Homeland Laws for allegedly using his social media platforms to propagate claims of generating wealth through supernatural powers.
Delivering judgment, Justice Obiora dismissed the second and third counts but upheld the first count, noting that the defendant admitted being the person featured in viral videos and acknowledged ownership of the social media accounts used to promote the claims.
The judge held that Okocha’s actions amounted to promoting the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means rather than recognised lawful means of earning money.
Justice Obiora, however, ruled that allegations of ritual killings and money doubling were not proven before the court, as there was no evidence or testimony from anyone who claimed to have benefited from such practices.
Following the judgment, the convict broke down in tears at the witness box and pleaded with the court for leniency.
“My Lord, please tamper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and this is the first time that I am having a court case,” Okocha pleaded.
He added that he had been in custody since February last year and did not know the whereabouts of his wife and twin children, who depended on him as their breadwinner.
He further claimed that three widows who relied on him had died during his absence due to lack of support.
The court, however, proceeded with the sentencing after considering the evidence presented before it.
