Proceedings at the Anambra State High Court, Awka, were stalled on Friday as three well-known native doctors, Chidozie Nwangwu (“Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki”), Onyebuchi Okocha (“Onyeze Jesus”), and Ekene Igboekweze (“Eke Hit”) failed to appear for their resumed trial.
The state government alleges that the trio “prepared charms for suspected criminals and engaged in money rituals.”
All three had earlier pleaded not guilty.
They were first arraigned before Justice Jude Obiorah on April 11, 2025, after their arrest by operatives of the state security outfit, Agunechemba, set up under Anambra’s new Homeland Security law.
Their pleas having been taken, the matter was adjourned to Friday, May 16, for hearing.
When the case was called on May 16, however, none of the defendants was present.
According to defence counsel, they “had not even been informed” of any reason for the absence.
With no explanation forthcoming, Justice Obiorah adjourned the matter to June 20, 2025, for further proceedings.
Attempts by reporters to obtain comments from the prosecution team were unsuccessful, as they “refused to entertain any question from the press.”
The trial follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to clamp down on native doctors in the wake of Operation Udogachi and other initiatives targeting ritual-related crimes across the state.
