An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced Chidozie Nwangwu, a detained native doctor known as Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, to 12 years in prison.
Justice Jude Obiora convicted him on counts 3 through 8, imposing two years per count to run concurrently. Counts 1, 2, 9, and 10 were struck out. Accounting for 13 months already served at Agunechemoba facility in Awka, Nwangwu will spend just 11 more months at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Awka.
Shrine Demolition and Reforms Ordered
The court mandated the complete destruction of Nwangwu’s controversial shrine in Oba, Idemili South LGA, with the demolition to be video-recorded. He must sign an undertaking to abandon “okite” practices forever, serve as a youth ambassador post-sentence to dispel myths of quick wealth through crime, and use his social media to publicly renounce the rituals.
Fines Waived Due to Remorse
Justice Obiora waived N20 million fines on three counts—opting against the prescribed six-year terms—after noting Nwangwu’s genuine remorse. The defense’s plea for continued detention at Agunechemoba was denied, as the facility lacks proper correctional standards; the sentence must be served at Awka Correctional Centre.
