The absence of three prominent native doctors — Chidozie Nwangwu (popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki), Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus), and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) — on Friday, May 16, 2025, stalled the continuation of their trial at the Anambra State High Court, Awka.
The native doctors are facing charges brought by the Anambra State Government, which accuses them of allegedly preparing charms for suspected criminals and being involved in money rituals.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Their trial initially commenced on April 11, 2025, before Justice Jude Obiorah. After their pleas were taken, the matter was adjourned to May 16 for further hearing.
However, proceedings could not continue as none of the accused persons were present in court.
No official reason was provided for their absence, and defence counsels claimed they were not informed about their clients’ whereabouts or reasons for missing the court date.
As a result, Justice Obiorah adjourned the case to June 20, 2025.
Attempts by the press to get comments from prosecution counsel were unsuccessful, as they declined to respond.
The trio was first arraigned on April 4, 2025, nearly a month after their arrest by operatives of Agunechemba, a state security outfit formed under Anambra’s new Homeland Security law.
Their arrest followed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s clampdown on native doctors, part of a broader initiative under Operation Udogachi aimed at addressing ritual-related crimes in the state.
