An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced detained native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, to 12 years imprisonment.
Delivering judgment, Justice Jude Obiora found Nwangwu guilty on counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, handing down two years imprisonment on each count. The court struck out counts 1, 2, 9, and 10. The judge ruled that the sentences would run concurrently.
Justice Obiora noted that Nwangwu had already spent 13 months in detention at the Agunechemba facility in Awka and therefore would serve an additional 11 months at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Awka.
Shrine to Be Destroyed, Social Reformation Ordered
As part of the ruling, the court ordered the complete demolition of Nwangwu’s controversial shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, with the exercise to be recorded on video.
The judge also directed that Nwangwu must sign an undertaking renouncing okite practices and, upon completing his sentence, serve as a youth ambassador to correct the narrative he allegedly promoted about acquiring wealth through unlawful means.
He was further instructed to use all his social media platforms to publicly declare that he has ceased practising okite.
Fines Waived Over Remorse
Justice Obiora stated that he had initially considered imposing fines of N20 million each on three additional counts instead of the six-year prison terms prescribed by law. However, he decided to waive the fines after observing what he described as genuine remorse displayed by the convict during his time in detention.
Although defence counsel appealed for Nwangwu to serve his term at the Agunechemba facility, the court ruled that the sentence must be served at the Awka Correctional Centre, citing the lack of proper correctional infrastructure at Agunechemba.
Meanwhile, two of his associates, Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, and Ekene Igboekweze, popularly called Eke Hit, remain in detention.
What You Should Know
Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra State High Court, with the terms to run concurrently.
After accounting for time already spent in detention, he will serve an additional 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre.
The court ordered the demolition of his shrine, directed him to renounce okite practices, and mandated that he publicly discourage unlawful wealth acquisition. Two of his associates remain in custody.
