The scheduled trial of three prominent native doctors in Anambra State was stalled on Friday, May 16, following their failure to appear before the court.
The accused—Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” Onyebuchi Okocha (widely known as “Onyeze Jesus”), and Ekene Igboekweze (called “Eke Hit”)—were charged by the Anambra State Government over alleged involvement in the preparation of charms for suspected criminals and participation in ritual-related activities. All three had previously entered not-guilty pleas.
Their case, brought before Justice Jude Obiorah of the Anambra State High Court in Awka, was first heard on April 11, 2025, during which the charges were read and the trial adjourned to May 16 for continuation.
However, proceedings could not go ahead on the adjourned date as the defendants were not present in court.
Their legal representatives claimed they had not received any communication regarding their clients’ failure to attend. No official reason was given for their absence.
Justice Obiorah subsequently rescheduled the matter to June 20, 2025.
Attempts by journalists to get comments from members of the prosecution team were unsuccessful, as they declined to respond to inquiries.
The trio were originally arraigned on April 4, roughly a month after their arrest by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba.
The arrests followed directives from Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has vowed to crack down on native doctors allegedly linked to ritual crimes under the state’s new Homeland Security Law and the launch of Operation Udo Gachi.