18, July 2026
A High Court in Anambra State has convicted controversial spiritual leader Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onye Eze Jesus, and sentenced him to six years imprisonment with an option of N20 million fine for breaching the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
The ruling delivered by Justice Jude Obiora represents another major step in the state government’s ongoing clampdown on alleged ritual practices, fraudulent spiritual claims and the use of charms believed to aid crimes such as kidnapping and internet fraud.
In his judgment, Justice Obiora said the law clearly criminalizes claims of possessing supernatural powers to make people rich through prohibited means, as well as the preparation and sale of charms outlawed under the Anambra Homeland Security Law. He held that anyone found engaging in such acts is liable to both jail term and financial penalty.
The court consequently found Onye Eze Jesus guilty under sections of the law designed to address activities deemed threats to public safety and security.
His prosecution followed the Anambra State Government’s wide security operation launched in February 2025. During the exercise, several prominent native doctors and spiritualists were arrested on allegations of promoting ritual killings, manufacturing charms for criminals, and making public declarations capable of inciting unlawful conduct.
The operation is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s broader security agenda aimed at dismantling criminal networks, restoring law and order, and rebuilding public trust in the state.
With this conviction, authorities say the government is sending a strong signal on its resolve to enforce the Homeland Security Law, which imposes strict sanctions on persons who promote or facilitate crime through spiritual or ritual assertions.
Government officials maintain that the crackdown is not targeted at traditional or religious practice as a whole, but is intended to protect residents, curb fraudulent spiritual activities, and support wider efforts to tackle insecurity across Anambra State.
The sentencing of Onye Eze Jesus is expected to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar practices in the state.
