Ekene Nwokeocha Igboekweze (Eke Hit)

Ekene Nwokeocha Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” is a renowned native doctor from Umuofor village in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born in front of the deity known as Ogwugwu Akpu Okija, a significant shrine in the community. The Ogwugwu Akpu shrine is one of several in Okija, including Ogwugwu Miri, Urashi, and Akpunama, collectively referred to as Alusi-Okija. These shrines have historically played vital roles in conflict resolution and maintaining social order within the Okija society.

Early Life and Background

Ekene Nwokeocha Igboekweze, popularly known as “Eke Hit,” is a renowned native doctor from Umuofor village in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born in front of the deity known as Ogwugwu Akpu Okija, a significant shrine in the community. The Ogwugwu Akpu shrine is one of several in Okija, including Ogwugwu Miri, Urashi, and Akpunama, collectively referred to as Alusi-Okija. These shrines have historically played vital roles in conflict resolution and maintaining social order within the Okija society.

Geographical and Cultural Context

Okija is a town in Anambra State, located approximately 24 kilometers south of the commercial city of Onitsha and about 15 kilometers from the industrial town of Nnewi. It comprises 34 villages grouped into three major clusters: Ubahu, Uhuobo-na-Uhuowelle, and Ihite. Umuofor village, where Eke Hit hails from, is part of the Uhuobo-na-Uhuowelle group.

The Ogwugwu Akpu shrine, where Eke Hit was born, is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Okija. Such shrines have been integral to the community’s traditional institutions, serving as centers for conflict resolution and upholding societal norms.

Ritual Practices and Diabolical Promises of “Eke Hit”

Ekene Nwokeocha Igboekweze, known widely by his alias “Eke Hit”, carved out a name for himself as a controversial native doctor operating from southeastern Nigeria. With a rapidly growing online and offline following, Eke Hit became notorious for his open promotion of extreme ritualistic solutions that promised miraculous results—often in just four days.

Four-Day Wealth Rituals

At the center of his spiritual operations was the bold claim that he could make anyone “rich in four days”—a marketing slogan that attracted desperate youths, fraudsters, and commercial sex workers alike. He frequently posted ritual instructions and invitations via social media platforms, often showcasing shrines adorned with fetish symbols, blood-stained altars, and sacrificial items.

Videos circulated online show him stating:

“If you’re ready for the four-day back-to-back miracle, come now. Bring what I ask you, and within four days, your life go change forever. I no dey play with result.”

These alleged get-rich-quick rituals were widely believed to include the use of animal blood, graveyard items, spiritual incantations, and in some cases, disturbing sacrifices. Investigative reports suggested that Eke Hit required personal belongings of clients—such as underwear, photos, or tokens—to spiritually “activate” the wealth or success process.

Rituals for Sex Workers and Internet Fraudsters

Eke Hit was especially popular among certain demographics:

• Commercial sex workers (harlots): He promised rituals that would “draw male customers like bees” to their rooms. His followers claimed that after a visit to his shrine, some women saw a “spiritual magnet” effect, allegedly increasing their patronage overnight.

• Yahoo boys (internet fraudsters): He openly advertised that his charms could “fortify” scammers, making victims “fall in love” or “willingly transfer money.” These practices included mirror divinations, spirit invocations, and “money pads” soaked in concoctions.

He reportedly told clients:

“I will do it and your PayPal go dey credit anyhow. Just do the sacrifice.”

These practices, seen by many as a gross abuse of spirituality, raised alarm across Nigeria. Religious and community leaders condemned Eke Hit for encouraging crime, prostitution, and the moral decay of youth, all under the guise of native spirituality.

Public and Legal Scrutiny

Eke Hit’s activities did not go unnoticed by authorities and the public. In early 2025, the Anambra State Government intensified efforts to curb criminal activities linked to ritual practices by native doctors. This initiative led to the arrest and arraignment of several prominent native doctors, including Eke Hit.

He was charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Possessing supernatural powers to make money.

• Conspiracy to commit felony.

• Kidnapping.

• Obtaining by fraud.

The Anambra State Homeland Security Law, enacted in early 2025, imposes stringent penalties on native doctors who prepare or administer charms believed to offer protection or illicit wealth. Offenders face up to six years in prison, a fine of ₦20 million, or both.

These developments underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the broader issue of ritual-related crimes in the state and reflect a significant shift in Anambra State’s approach to traditional practices linked to criminality.

Controversy

Security operatives in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, recently arrested the prominent traditional priest, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as Eke Hit. His arrest was based on a new law signed by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in January 2025, aimed at tackling the increasing insecurity in the state.

The new law, called the ‘Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025,’ includes provisions to curb the activities of fake traditional priests and priestesses, who the government claims contribute to the rising insecurity in the region.

Videos of numerous security personnel storming Eke Hit’s residence in Okija community have gone viral on social media. Eke Hit is widely recognized for his strong presence on social media, where he promotes his spiritual practices, including claims of performing money rituals for people. His arrest has sparked significant discussions about the role of traditional priests in modern society and the state government’s crackdown on such practices.

Crackdown on Ritual-Linked Crimes:

Background

In early 2025, the Anambra State Government launched an intensified crackdown on ritual practices and spiritual criminality allegedly linked to a surge in kidnapping, internet fraud, and other violent crimes. The operation, led by the state-backed security outfit Agunechemba, targeted several self-styled native doctors accused of using spiritual influence to empower criminal networks.

Among those arrested and arraigned were:

• Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki

• Onyebuchi Isaac Okocha, alias Onye Eze Jesus

• Ekene Igboezekwe, widely known as Eke Hit

Their arrests mark a historic shift in how traditional practitioners accused of fetish rituals and criminal affiliations are treated under the law.

Arrests and Allegations

• February 2025: Akwa Okuko was arrested in Oba, Idemili South LGA, by Agunechemba operatives. He was detained on suspicion of preparing ritual charms and spiritual protections (“odeshi” and mkpu egbe charms) for criminals, including kidnappers and cyber-fraud rings.

• April 4, 2025: Akwa Okuko, Onye Eze, and Eke Hit were formally arraigned before the Anambra State High Court. The charges levied against them included:

  • Possession and distribution of charms alleged to induce wealth and supernatural protection

  • Conspiracy to commit felony

  • Kidnapping

  • Obtainment by false pretense (fraud)

  • Spiritual manipulation to stagnate destinies or spiritually influence victims

According to court filings and statements from security agencies, Eke Hit was specifically implicated in ritual ceremonies suspected of aiding organized crime, with reports linking his shrine to operations involving human trafficking and extortion masked as spiritual services.

Court Proceedings and Detention

At the initial court hearing, the prosecution submitted the formal charges, confirming readiness to proceed. The defendants, through their legal teams, requested more time to study the allegations and prepare a robust defense.

The presiding judge granted an adjournment to April 11, 2025, and ordered the continued detention of the three accused at the Agunechemba facility, a high-security location established to contain individuals linked to violent and ritual crimes.

The Anambra State Homeland Security Law (2025)

As part of its ongoing reform, the Anambra State Government had earlier passed the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, a landmark legal framework designed to curtail crimes facilitated through traditional spiritual practices.

Key provisions include:

• A 6-year prison sentence, ₦20 million fine, or both for any native doctor who prepares or administers charms such as:

  • Odeshi (bullet-proof charms)

  • Okeite (blood-binding pacts)

  • Mkpu Egbe (invisibility or protection charms)

• Prohibition of rituals that claim to manipulate wealth, fate, or personal fortune

The law seeks to dismantle the spiritual infrastructure believed to embolden criminal elements and protect them from law enforcement or supernatural consequence.

Public Reactions and Impact

The high-profile arrests of figures like Eke Hit and his counterparts have sparked widespread public debate. While many support the government’s actions as a bold move toward restoring law and order, some traditionalist groups argue that the law infringes upon cultural and religious practices.

Nonetheless, state officials maintain that the crackdown targets criminal abuse of tradition, not genuine cultural expression. The trials are now seen as a test case for the legal system in balancing spiritual freedom with public safety.

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