An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, famously known as Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, to 12 years in prison.
Presiding over the case, Justice Jude Obiora found Nwangwu guilty on counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, handing down two years for each count. Counts 1, 2, 9, and 10 were, however, struck out by the court.
Justice Obiora ruled that the sentences will run concurrently, noting that Nwangwu had already spent 13 months in detention at the Agunechemba facility in Awka. “He would serve only 11 months at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Awka,” the judge added.
Shrine to be demolished, social reformation mandated
The court directed that Nwangwu’s controversial shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, be completely destroyed, with the demolition recorded on video.
Furthermore, he was ordered to sign an undertaking pledging not to engage in okite practices again and, upon release, to serve as a youth ambassador to correct the impression he created among young people about acquiring wealth through illegal means.
“He must use all his social media platforms to inform the public that he no longer practises okite,” Justice Obiora emphasized.
Fines waived due to remorse
Initially, the judge considered imposing fines of N20 million each on three additional counts instead of the six-year prison terms prescribed by law. However, observing Nwangwu’s remorse during detention, he decided to waive the fines.
Although the defence requested that Nwangwu serve his sentence at the Agunechemba facility, the court ruled otherwise.
“The sentence must be served at the Awka Correctional Centre,” Justice Obiora stated, noting that the Agunechemba facility lacks proper correctional infrastructure.
Meanwhile, two of Nwangwu’s associates, Onyebuchi Okocha, known as Onyeze Jesus, and Ekene Igboekweze, popularly called Eke Hit, remain in detention.
