ONYEZE JESUS’ SENTENCING: A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT CRIMINAL IDOLATRY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED BY THE SOLUDO GOVERNMENT – MEFOR

By Rose Oranye

The Anambra State Government says the six-year jail term and “”N20 million fine handed down to Onyebuchi Okeocha, popularly known as “Onyeze Jesus”, are in line with the law and will serve as a strong deterrent to others involved in criminal and deceptive practices.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, stated this on Friday at the court premises, shortly after the court delivered its judgement.

Responding to questions from journalists on whether the court was “coming too hard”, Dr Mefor said the sentence reflects what is prescribed by law.

“I’m not a judiciary officer, so I can’t take a position on that. But we believe that the sentencing and the amount imposed, as prescribed by the law, and the number of years to be spent in a custodial facility — we believe that a combination of the two is quite in order,” he said.

“It will serve as a deterrent to others. They will know that the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 is in full force.”

Dr. Mefor described the judgement as a test of the new Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 by the judiciary, which he said was found to be “necessary and efficacious”.

He specifically referenced Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, which addresses “Okeite” and other harmful practices.

“This judgement puts a very effective conclusion to it. The commissioner warned that anyone who chooses that path will face the full consequences of the law.

He advised Ndi Anambra, especially those involved in criminal idolatry, to desist and seek legitimate means of livelihood.

“Some people are confusing our youth, making them believe that wealth without work is possible, that there is some kind of magic money somewhere. That era is over,” he said.

Dr Mefor was also quick to clarify the government’s stance on religion and traditional worship.

“Let me also use this opportunity to say that the government of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is not against traditional worship. What the government is against is criminal idolatry and those who hide behind religion to deceive and confuse our youths. They just have to stop. Let them look for a decent and honest way of earning a living and pursuing their happiness.”