Anambra Native Doctors’ Court Trial Suspended After Mysterious Absence Sparks Public Concern
In a dramatic twist that has captivated both the legal community and the public,
the highly publicized trial of three prominent native doctors in Anambra State Chidozie Nwangwu (aka Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki),
Onyebuchi Okocha (popularly known as Onyeze Jesus), and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) was stalled after the accused failed to appear in court.
Their absence, unexplained and unexpected, has fueled fresh debates on the role of traditional spiritualism in Nigeria’s justice system and what lies ahead in this controversial case.
Court Session Halted Over Defendants’ Absence
The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka was thrown into uncertainty on Friday, May 16, 2025,
when the scheduled trial of three well-known traditional spiritualists could not proceed as planned.
However, Justice Jude Obiorah, the presiding judge, was compelled to adjourn the case to June 20, 2025, due to the nonappearance of all three accused individuals.
Moreover, the court had been set to continue hearing charges brought by the Anambra State Government accusing the native doctors of preparing charms and rituals used by criminal elements.
These alleged acts, authorities say, fueled the rise in ritual killings, armed robbery, and other heinous crimes.
Shockingly, neither the defendants nor their legal representatives provided any official reason for their absence.
This left the judge and courtroom observers bewildered and raised pressing questions about the seriousness with which the defendants were treating the legal process.
Legal Implications and Possible Consequences
Legal analysts have warned that failure to appear before the court is a grave offense.
If the defendants do not attend the next scheduled hearing, the court could issue a bench warrant for their arrest.
Such a warrant would authorize law enforcement agencies to apprehend and produce them in court forcibly.
Justice Obiorah voiced his disappointment and urged defense counsel to guarantee their clients’ attendance at the next hearing.
He emphasized that court appearances are not optional, especially in criminal trials involving public safety and social stability.
Failure to honor court invitations not only disrupts the legal process but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary.
The judge noted that such behavior could be interpreted as contempt of court, potentially leading to stiffer penalties.
Flashback: Arrests and Initial Arraignment
The origins of this high-profile case date back to March 2025,
when the trio was arrested during a series of coordinated raids carried out by the Anambra Homeland Security outfit, Agunechemba.
These arrests were part of a sweeping security campaign named Operation Udo Gachi,
launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to combat ritual crimes and spiritual manipulation by traditionalists.
They were formally arraigned on April 11, 2025, on multiple charges, including promoting criminal acts through the use of juju,
facilitating rituals allegedly tied to money-making, and inciting public disorder through spiritual claims.
All three pleaded not guilty during their arraignment and were granted bail under strict conditions.
Cultural Controversy and Public Sentiment
The trial has polarized public opinion in Anambra and beyond.
Supporters of the accused argue that traditional healing and spiritual practices are part of the Igbo cultural heritage.
They contend that the charges are politically motivated and amount to an attack on cultural identity.
Opponents, however, insist that the native doctors crossed the line by allegedly using their influence to shield or empower criminals.
These critics support the crackdown, claiming that unchecked spiritualism has turned into a tool for fraud, manipulation, and ritual killings.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, memes, and heated debates.
Many users have called for transparency in the trial, while others question the fairness and motivation of the government’s actions.
Governor Soludo’s Determined Stand Against Ritualism
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has made it clear that his administration will not compromise when it comes to protecting lives and curbing illegal spiritual practices.
His administration has passed stringent laws to tackle crimes involving charms, rituals, and superstitions.
At a security summit earlier this year, the governor stated:
“We cannot build a progressive society while harboring harmful practices that undermine morality, public safety, and development.
Our state must move forward with knowledge, not fear. We’re reclaiming Anambra from lawlessness.”
The establishment of the Agunechemba security unit and the Anambra
Homeland Security Law underscores his administration’s readiness to confront the challenges posed by fake spiritualists and ritualism.
The Spiritualists: Who Are They?
Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki): Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and claims of possessing supernatural powers.
He gained popularity for allegedly surviving assassination attempts using spiritual protection.
Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus): A controversial figure who claimed to perform spiritual baptisms and wealth rituals.
Videos of his unconventional “blessings” once went viral, drawing criticism from both religious and secular observers.
Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit): A lesser-known but equally influential spiritualist in the region.
He is believed to run a shrine that allegedly attracted individuals seeking fast wealth and protection.
Together, these three individuals became symbols of a growing culture where desperate youths and even some adults turn to rituals as shortcuts to success.
Public Security and the Role of Traditional Beliefs
Anambra, like many other Nigerian states, is at a crossroads between tradition and modernization.
While traditional medicine and spirituality remain embedded in the culture, the recent spike in ritual crimes has caused deep unease.
In recent years, reports of people being lured into money rituals or manipulated with promises of supernatural wealth have been on the rise.
The authorities believe that some traditionalists have weaponized belief systems to exploit the vulnerable.
This trial, therefore, is not just a legal matter it is a test of how Nigeria balances respect for culture with the need to ensure law and order.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As the June 20 hearing approaches, all eyes remain fixed on whether the defendants will finally present themselves in court.
Prosecutors are expected to press forward with their case,
and security operatives may already be exploring contingency plans in case the accused attempt to evade justice.
Should the court issue a bench warrant, it would signify the state’s determination to ensure accountability,
regardless of the stature or popularity of the individuals involved.
The Anambra native doctors trial has been listed among the top criminal proceedings in the South-East,
and its outcome could influence how other states handle similar issues of spiritual crime.
Calls for Legal Reform and Regulation
Legal experts have suggested that the state and federal governments may need to develop clearer guidelines for the regulation of traditional practices.
Currently, the gray area between cultural preservation and criminality remains a significant challenge.
Advocates are calling for the registration and licensing of native doctors, regular audits of their activities,
and legal consequences for those who misuse their status for criminal purposes.
Conclusion: The Clash Between Culture and Law
The unfolding drama surrounding the trial of the three native doctors is a microcosm of Nigeria’s larger struggle to balance tradition with modern governance.
As the Anambra native doctors trial progresses, it may become a landmark example of how justice can be served without eroding cultural values
or how failure to act decisively may embolden a shadow industry already affecting the nation’s youth and vulnerable.
The June hearing will not only determine the fate of Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, Onyeze Jesus,
and Eke Hit it may also reshape how traditional practices are perceived and policed across Nigeria.
Do you think the justice system is doing enough to handle cases involving traditional practices?
Should native doctors be allowed to operate freely, or should there be stricter oversight?
Share your opinion in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story to raise awareness.
For accurate updates on court proceedings, rituals, and public safety in Nigeria, follow NIGPOST daily.
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