RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
An Anambra State High Court has sentenced native doctor Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” to six years in prison after convicting him of offences relating to claims of supernatural wealth creation and the preparation of charms for criminal purposes.
Justice Jude Obiorah delivered the judgment on Friday, finding Igboekweze guilty on two counts while resolving a third count in his favour.
The court imposed six years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts but ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.
There was no option of a fine in the sentence imposed by the court, while the period Igboekweze had already spent in detention is to be taken into consideration.
WHAT THE LAW PROHIBITS
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 does not generally criminalise traditional medicine or native-doctor practice. The provisions relevant to such prosecutions target specified activities linked to alleged supernatural wealth creation, deception and criminality.
Among the conduct prohibited under the law are promoting or claiming that wealth can be obtained through supernatural means, including practices described as “Oke Ite”; preparing charms intended to assist or protect people involved in criminal activity; and misleading members of the public through certain claims of supernatural powers.
Other reported provisions prohibit particular ritual practices, including depositing sacrificial items in specified public places or waterways.
In Igboekweze’s case, the court found that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the two counts concerning advertising or promoting wealth-making charms and preparing charms for criminals.
The conviction therefore relates to the specific conduct proved under the charges, rather than to Igboekweze’s status as a herbalist or traditional practitioner.
DEFENDANT SAID HE PRACTISED HERBAL MEDICINE
Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, was arrested in February 2025 following the introduction of the state’s new security law.
During his defence, he described himself as a registered herbalist and member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, maintaining that his practice involved herbs and roots.
He also argued that videos associated with the allegations were old material produced before the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 came into force.
Justice Obiorah ultimately held that the prosecution established two of the charges beyond reasonable doubt but ruled in Igboekweze’s favour on the third.
Before sentencing, Igboekweze appealed for leniency, saying he had learnt his lesson and asking the court to consider his family circumstances.
His wife and half-brother also appealed for mercy and testified about his character.
Following the judgment, defence counsel Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu said the court had shown consideration in its sentencing decision.
Fabian Okeke of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice described the judgment as part of efforts to address practices the government considers harmful to society.
