Society News Editor
An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced controversial native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, to 12 years in prison after finding him guilty on multiple criminal counts.
Delivering judgment, Justice Jude Obiora convicted Nwangwu on counts three through eight and imposed a two-year prison term on each count. However, the court cleared him of counts one, two, nine, and ten. The judge ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning the convict will not serve the full 12 years consecutively.
Justice Obiora also took into account the 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in detention at the Agunechemba security facility in Awka. As a result, he will serve an additional 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre under the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Court orders shrine demolition, bans further okite activities
As part of the judgment, the court ordered the complete demolition of Nwangwu’s shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. The destruction is to be documented on video to confirm compliance.
The court further directed him to formally renounce involvement in okite practices by signing a written undertaking. Upon completing his prison term, he is also required to take on a reformation role as a youth ambassador, helping to discourage young people from pursuing illegal paths to wealth.
In addition, Nwangwu was ordered to publicly declare on all his social media platforms that he has abandoned okite and similar practices.
Judge waives heavy fines after observing remorse
Justice Obiora revealed that he had initially considered imposing fines of N20 million each on three separate counts instead of additional six-year prison terms, as provided by law. However, the court decided to waive the financial penalties after observing what it described as genuine remorse shown by the convict during his detention.
Although the defence requested that Nwangwu remain at the Agunechemba facility, the court rejected the request, noting that the facility lacks proper correctional infrastructure required for serving a prison sentence. He was instead ordered to complete his term at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Meanwhile, two other individuals linked to the case — Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, and Ekene Igboekweze, also called Eke Hit — are still being held in custody as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
