Three native doctors accused of producing fetish charms will remain in custody following a ruling by an Anambra State High Court in Awka.
Justice Jude Obiora, presiding over the case, ordered that the defendants be held at the Agunechemba security detention center pending the next court session.
The accused — Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu (also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki), Mr. Onyebuchi Okocha (popularly called Onye Eze), and Mr. Ekene Igboezekwe (alias Eke Hit) — were arrested earlier this year by operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit. Their detention, which began between February 6 and 16, 2025, follows allegations that they were involved in the creation of charms for various clients.
At Thursday’s hearing, the prosecuting attorney, F.C. Okeke, told the court that all charges had been properly filed and served. “The prosecution is fully prepared to move forward with the matter,” he stated.
The defense team, however, contended that the legal papers were not delivered in time, leaving them unable to prepare an adequate response.
In response, Justice Obiora ruled that the accused would remain in custody to allow for all necessary legal procedures to be completed.
The case has been postponed to April 11, 2025, when the suspects are expected to be formally arraigned and enter their pleas.