The Anambra State High Court has sentenced a popular native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” to six years in prison for offences involving the promotion of charms and claims of supernatural wealth creation.
Justice Jude Obiorah handed down the sentence on Friday, September 18, 2026, after finding Igboekweze guilty on two counts.
The sentences are to run concurrently, with no option of a fine. The period the convict had already spent in detention will, however, be taken into consideration.
Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, was convicted over offences bordering on advertising charms for wealth and claiming that people could become rich through “Oke Ite” and other rituals.
The charges also involved allegations that he prepared charms for criminals.
The native doctor was arrested in February 2025 alongside two other practitioners by Agunechemba security personnel following the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He and the other suspects were subsequently arraigned before the court in April 2025 on charges that included conspiracy, kidnapping, preparing protective charms for criminals and money rituals.
During his defence, Igboekweze described himself as a registered herbalist and member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association. He maintained that his practice involved the use of herbs and roots.
He also told the court that the videos circulating on social media, which formed part of the basis for his arrest, were old recordings made before the 2025 security law came into effect.
Delivering judgment, Justice Obiorah held that the prosecution had established counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, while count three was resolved in favour of the defendant.
The judge consequently sentenced Igboekweze to six years’ imprisonment on each of the two proven counts, with the sentences running concurrently and without an option of a fine.
Before the sentence was delivered, the convict pleaded for forgiveness and asked the court to consider his family. He told the court that he had learnt from the experience and had not yet seen his newborn triplets.
His wife, Elizabeth, and half-brother, Chief Mike, also appealed for leniency, describing him as a kind person and asking the court to consider his family circumstances.
Speaking after the judgment, Igboekweze’s lawyer, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, said the court had been considerate in not imposing the monetary penalty associated with the offences.
A representative of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, Fabian Okeke, said the judgment was aimed at protecting the public from practices that could encourage people to seek wealth through unlawful or deceptive means.
The conviction is part of a wider enforcement effort in Anambra State under the Homeland Security Law, which targets practices involving claims of supernatural wealth creation and the preparation of charms for criminal activities.
