Onyebuch, Self-Styled Anambra Prophet Bags Six-Year Jail, N20m Fine For Propagating Magic Wealth
Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus has been sentenced to a six year jail term and a five of N20 million by an Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka for publicly propagating the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means.
Justice Jude Obiora, who delivered the judgment held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant publicly propagated the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means without lawful labour.
The court said Onyebuchi was responsible for the publication of the viral videos in which he promoted such practices on his social media platforms adding that the criminal investigation was conducted in accordance with the Homeland Security law.
On Count One, the court found ‘Onyeze’ guilty of publicly promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means without lawful labour and convicted him accordingly.
However, on Counts Two and Three, which bordered on allegations of money-doubling and the preparation of charms popularly known as Oke-Ite for money-making purposes, the court discharged and acquitted him after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Obiora said although the defendant admitted being the individual featured in the viral videos, owning the social media accounts, and making the statements contained in the recordings, there was no credible evidence to prove allegations of ritual murder, money-doubling, or that anyone actually benefited from the alleged spiritual practices.
The judge stressed that the conviction was based solely on the proven offence of publicly promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means.
The court ordered that the six-year prison term should take effect from Feb. 26, 2025, the date the convict was first remanded in custody.
“Having already spent about one year and six months in detention, that period will count toward the sentence”, he said.
Justice Obiora said the custodial sentence and the N20 million fine were imposed to serve as a deterrent to others who deceive young people into believing that wealth can be acquired through supernatural means rather than through honest labour.
He warned that such teachings mislead the youth and encourage dishonourable pursuits instead of legitimate hard work.
“I have the option of sentencing you to six years’ imprisonment or imposing a fine of N20 million or both. I am imposing both to serve as a deterrent to others,” the judge ruled
Mr Bartholomew Ezedinobi, counsel to ‘Onyeze’ appealed for leniency, describing his client as a first-time offender
He argued that Onyeze Jesus did not fully appreciate the legal implications of publicly promoting supernatural means of acquiring wealth and urged the court to take into account the period he had already spent in detention.
“My Lord, my client did not appreciate the enormity of his actions or the consequences of his statements. He has learnt his lesson after spending one year and six months in custody.
“We pray the court to exercise its discretion with mercy and consider the option of a fine,” he said.
Meanwhile, the case involving another suspected fake native doctor, popularly known as Eke-Hit, was adjourned until Sept. 26 after the adoption of written addresses by counsel to both the prosecution and the defence.
