Court sentences Anambra native doctor to six years’ imprisonment

Anambra State High Court sentenced a prominent native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, also known as "Eke Hit", to six years' imprisonment on two counts of offenses related to advertising charms for wealth, claiming to make people rich through rituals, and preparing charms for criminals. The court found the defendant guilty on each charge and sentenced the sentences to run concurrently without the option of a fine, considering the time already served.

Igboekweze was arrested in February 2025, along with two other native doctors, following the implementation of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The law prohibits native doctors from claiming to make people rich through rituals or preparing charms for criminals. During his defense, Igboekweze claimed to be a registered herbalist and a member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association, stating that he only used herbs and roots in his practices.

The prosecution successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt, while the judge resolved the third charge in favor of the defendant. The court granted a waiver of the ₦40m fine attached to the charges.