The trial of three well-known native doctors in Anambra State was put on hold on Friday, May 16, due to their failure to appear in court.
Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly called “Onyeze Jesus,” and Ekene Igboekweze, known as “Eke Hit,” are facing charges brought by the Anambra State Government over allegations of producing charms for criminal elements and participating in ritual practices.
All defendants have denied the accusations.
The case, which is being heard before Justice Jude Obiorah at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, was previously adjourned during its initial sitting on April 11, 2025, after the accused entered their pleas.
However, the proceedings scheduled for May 16 could not continue as the three accused individuals were not present in court.
Their legal representatives stated that they were unaware of any reasons for their clients’ absence and had not been informed in advance.
Justice Obiorah, noting the absence of the defendants, adjourned the case to June 20, 2025.
Efforts by reporters to get comments from the prosecuting lawyers were unsuccessful, as they declined to speak to the press.
The defendants were originally arrested by operatives of Agunechemba, a state-backed security outfit formed under Anambra’s new Homeland Security law.
Their arraignment took place on April 4, roughly one month after their arrest.
The state’s actions are part of a broader crackdown initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has launched security operations such as Operation Udo Gachi to address ritual-related crimes and the activities of native doctors allegedly linked to such offenses.