The Anambra State High Court has sentenced a popular native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, also known as “Eke Hit,” to six years’ imprisonment. He was found guilty of offences relating to the advertisement of charms for wealth and the preparation of charms for criminals.
Justice Jude Obiorah read the verdict, finding Igboekweze guilty on two of the three charges filed. The bench concluded that the state met the burden of proof for Counts One and Two, but dismissed Count Three in his favor.
Charges and Sentence
The court imposed six years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. This means the terms will be served at the same time, and there is no option of a fine. The period Igboekweze has already spent in detention will be taken into account.
Justice Obiorah stated, “The prosecution proved counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, but count three is resolved in favour of the defendant. The defendant is hereby found guilty on counts one and two of offences bordering on advertising charms for wealth, claiming to make people rich through ‘Oke Ite’ and other rituals, and preparing charms for criminals, among others.”
Background and Arrest
Igboekweze, a native of Umuofor Village in Okija, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, rose to fame after posting online clips that promoted wealth-bringing charms and various customary rites. In February 2025, agents of the Anambra State security unit Agunechemba detained him together with two other prominent native doctors.
The detention occurred after the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 became effective, a statute that bans native doctors and spiritual healers from asserting they can enrich individuals via “Oke Ite” or comparable rites, as well as from crafting charms for those involved in crime.
Read Also: Former Power Minister Appeals 75-Year Sentence
Defence and Trial
On 4 April 2025, Igboekweze and his co-accused faced arraignment on allegations such as conspiracy, kidnapping, forging protective charms for offenders, and money-related rituals. In his testimony, he asserted to the bench that he is a certified herbalist and belongs to the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, emphasizing that his work relies on herbs and roots.
He contended that the online clips used as evidence were dated prior to the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. Nonetheless, the tribunal upheld the prosecution’s arguments on two charges and dismissed the third in his favor.
Reaction and Aftermath
Prior to sentencing, Igboekweze appealed for clemency, informing the magistrate that he had reflected on his actions and urging consideration of his family situation. He disclosed that he is the father of newborn triplets he has not yet met.
His spouse Elizabeth and half-brother Chief Mike both gave character references, urging the court to show leniency. They portrayed Igboekweze as a compassionate individual who frequently assisted others.
The defendant’s lawyer, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, noted that the bench demonstrated leniency by cancelling the ₦40 million penalty linked to the two offences. Fabian Okeke, representing the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, explained that the ruling aims to shield the public from activities the authorities view as detrimental to creativity and to discourage youth from pursuing illicit shortcuts to productivity.
