Native Doctor Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Kidn@pping, Money Rit¥al Offences In Anambra State

Native doctor Ekene Igboekweze, known as “Eke Hit,” has been sentenced to six years in prison by an Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka over charges including conspiracy, kidn@pping, protective charms and money rituals.

Justice Jude Obiora sentenced Igboekweze to six years on count one and another six years on count two. The sentences will run concurrently without an option of a fine, while the period he has already spent in detention will count toward his sentence.

Igboekweze and other suspects were arraigned on April 4, 2025. During his defence, he told the court he was a herbalist and member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association. He said he used herbs and roots in his practice and that the viral videos were recorded before the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

In his judgment, Justice Obiora held that the prosecution proved counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt, while count three was resolved in favour of Igboekweze.

Before sentencing, Igboekweze pleaded for forgiveness, saying he had learnt his lesson and asking the court to consider his family. He appealed for consideration of his newborn triplets, whom he said he had not seen. His wife, Elizabeth, and half-brother also pleaded for leniency. They said he was his mother’s only son in a polygamous family and had good character.

Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village, Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, gained social-media popularity advertising charms claimed to bring wealth. He was arrested by Agunechemba security operatives in February 2025 alongside two other native doctors.

The arrests followed the signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The law prohibits native doctors from claiming they can make people wealthy through “Oke Ite” and other rituals, and also prohibits the preparation of charms for criminals.

About The Author

Osmek News

See author's posts