Anambra Eke Hit Homeland Security Law Conviction: Native Doctor Jailed 6 Years

• Ekene Igboekweze, a native doctor known as “Eke Hit” from Okija, Anambra State, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by the Anambra State High Court.
• He was found guilty on two counts for advertising charms for wealth, claiming to make people rich through “Oke Ite” rituals, and preparing charms for criminals.
• This conviction represents a key enforcement action under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, which Governor Chukwuma Soludo signed into effect.
• Igboekweze's defense, including his claim of being a registered herbalist and that his viral videos predated the law, did not prevent his conviction on these charges.
• The sentences are to run concurrently without a fine option, with the period already spent in detention factored into the total term.

This landmark Anambra Eke Hit Homeland Security Law conviction underscores the state's commitment to enforcing its recently enacted legislation against certain traditional practices.

A significant legal precedent has been established in Anambra State with the conviction and subsequent six-year imprisonment of Ekene Igboekweze, widely known as “Eke Hit.” The Anambra State High Court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiorah, delivered the verdict on Friday, finding the popular native doctor guilty on two distinct counts. This landmark Anambra Eke Hit Homeland Security Law conviction underscores the state's commitment to enforcing its recently enacted legislation against certain traditional practices.

Igboekweze, who hails from Umuofor Village in Okija, within the Ihiala Local Government Area, faced charges related to advertising charms for wealth and claiming the ability to enrich individuals through "Oke Ite" and other rituals. He was also found culpable for preparing charms intended for criminals. The court mandated that the six-year sentences for each count would run concurrently, meaning a total of six years of Ekene Igboekweze imprisonment, with no option for a monetary fine. The period he had already spent in detention was factored into the sentence.

The prosecution of Ekene Igboekweze stems directly from the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, a legislative act signed into effect by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. This new law specifically prohibits native doctors from asserting the capability to make people rich through "Oke Ite" and other rituals, as well as from preparing charms for individuals engaged in criminal activities. Igboekweze's arrest occurred in February 2025, carried out by Agunechemba security personnel, and he was apprehended alongside two other prominent native doctors.

His public profile, largely built on social media where he was known for advertising charms for wealth, played a role in his apprehension. The charges, which included conspiracy, kidnapping, preparing protective charms for criminals, and money rituals, led to his arraignment before the court on April 4, 2025. This native doctor charm advertising conviction highlights the active enforcement of the prohibitions outlined in the 2025 law, particularly concerning the Oke Ite rituals prohibition Anambra and the ban on preparing charms for criminals Nigeria.

During the trial, Justice Obiorah affirmed that the prosecution had successfully proven counts one and two beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the guilty verdict. However, the third count against Igboekweze was resolved in his favor, indicating that not all allegations were substantiated by the evidence presented. In his defense, Igboekweze asserted his status as a registered herbalist and a member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, claiming his practices solely involved the use of herbs and roots.

He further contended that the viral videos, which contributed to his arrest, were created prior to the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 coming into force, suggesting they predated the legal prohibitions. Before the sentencing, Igboekweze pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse and stating he had learned his lessons, while also appealing to the court to consider his family, including newborn triplets he had not yet seen.

His wife, Elizabeth, and half-brother, Chief Mike, testified to his character, describing him as a kind individual and the sole son of his mother in a polygamous family, urging the court's mercy. His counsel, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, later noted the court's consideration in waiving a substantial ₦40 million fine associated with the two charges.

The judgment against Ekene Igboekweze has been lauded by the Anambra State Ministry of Justice as a crucial step towards safeguarding society. Fabian Okeke, representing the ministry, characterized the conviction as a measure designed to protect the public from what he termed "dangerous trends" that undermine human creativity and the capacity for productive endeavors. This outcome sends a clear message regarding the state's resolve to regulate traditional practices that are deemed harmful or exploitative, particularly those involving claims of instant wealth or aiding criminal enterprises.

The case serves as a significant indicator of the active implementation and potential consequences under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, establishing a precedent for future enforcement actions against similar activities.

This judgment demonstrates the active enforcement of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 against traditional practitioners. Lawyers advising clients involved in traditional medicine or spiritual practices in Anambra should be aware of the specific prohibitions (e.g., advertising charms for wealth, preparing charms for criminals) and the potential for severe penalties, as this case sets a precedent for prosecution under the new law.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers