A High Court in Awka has sentenced a prominent self-proclaimed native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as "Onyeze Jesus", to six years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₦20 million.
Justice Jude Obiora delivered the judgement on Thursday, 17 July, after finding Okocha guilty on one of three charges brought against him under Section 18 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Laws.
Okocha, whose nickname "Onyeze Jesus" translates as "Jesus the King", had been in custody for approximately one and a half years. He was prosecuted over allegations of promoting the claim that individuals could acquire wealth through supernatural means, including so-called money-doubling schemes.
The charges against him included using his social media platforms to promote wealth creation through supernatural powers, operating alleged "Oke-Ite" spiritual practices, and engaging in money-doubling activities.
In his judgement, Justice Obiora dismissed the second and third counts due to insufficient evidence but upheld the first charge. The court noted that Okocha admitted appearing in the viral videos, acknowledged ownership of the social media accounts, and confirmed that he had promoted claims of acquiring wealth through supernatural means rather than lawful methods.
The judge further ruled that allegations relating to ritual murder and money-doubling were not proven, stating that the prosecution failed to provide credible evidence or witnesses who could testify to benefiting from such practices.
Following the sentencing, Okocha reportedly broke down in tears, knelt in the dock, and pleaded with the court for leniency.
"My Lord, please temper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and the first time I have appeared before a court. Since I was arrested in February last year and have remained in custody, I do not know the whereabouts of my wife and my twin children, who depend on me as the family's breadwinner. Also, three widows who relied on me have died because there was no one to care for them," he told the court.
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