David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
An Awka High Court has sentenced one of the arrested fake native doctors, Onyebuchi Okocha a.k.a Onyeze Jesus to six years imprisonment with a fine of N20 million.
This was coming as seven suspected fake pastors arrested last month in Anambra were ordered to be remanded in custody until their respective matters are dispensed with by the court.
Similarly, another suspected fake native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as Eke-Hit had his matter adjourned to September 26 as the counsels for the accused and prosecution submitted their respective written addresses to the court on the same day.
In the case of Okocha, he has been in detention for about a year and six months following his arrest. He was charged under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law for involvement in money ritual, which contravenes Section 18 of the law.
Delivering judgement on the matter, Justice Jude Obiora said the defendant admitted being the person in a viral video and owner of the social media handles where videos were posted claiming he had the power to make one wealthy.
The judge however ruled that his claims of ritual murder or money doubling could not be proven as there was neither any proof nor persons that testified to have benefited from the practices.
He was sentenced to six years in prison with an additional fine of N20 million.
In an emotion laden moment, the defendant broke down in tears, kneeling in the witness box pleading that the court temper justice with mercy.
“My Lord, please temper justice with mercy because this is my first offence and this is the first time that I am having a court case.
“Since February last year that I was arrested and have been in custody, I do not know the whereabouts of my wife and my twin children who depend on me as the breadwinner.
“Also since I have been in custody, three widows who depend on me have all died due to the fact that there is no one taking care of them,” he cried.
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