Anambra Native Doctor Gets Six-Year Jail Term for Ritual-Related Offences

An Anambra State High Court has sentenced a popular native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” to six years in prison on each of two counts.

Justice Jude Obiorah found Igboekweze guilty of offences related to advertising charms purported to bring wealth through “Oke Ite” and other rituals, as well as preparing charms for criminals.

The two six-year sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a maximum of six years. The court also ruled that there would be no option of a fine, while his time already spent in detention would be taken into account.

Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, was arrested in February 2025 by Agunechemba security personnel following the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

He was later arraigned alongside two other native doctors on charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, preparing protective charms for criminals and money rituals.

During his defence, Igboekweze said he was a registered herbalist and member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association. He maintained that he used herbs and roots in his practice and argued that some of the videos used against him were recorded before the new law came into effect.

Before sentencing, he pleaded for forgiveness and asked the court to consider his family and his newborn triplets, whom he said he had not yet seen.

The judge ruled that the prosecution had proved counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, while count three was resolved in favour of the defendant.

His lawyer, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, said the court had shown consideration by not imposing the ₦40 million fine attached to the two charges.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share