By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Chief Magistrate Court in Nnewi, Anambra State, has ordered the remand of controversial traditionalist, James Okoye, popularly known as “Akachaam,” for 30 days over allegations bordering on conspiracy and cybercrime.
This is coming days after Mr. Okoye was apprehended by security operatives in Nnewi during what he described as a spiritual cleansing exercise for the town.
The court order to remand him, however, followed an ex-parte application filed by the Commissioner of Police in Suit No. Nmd/MSC.279/2026 and Motion No. MN/939/2026, pursuant to Sections 130(1)(3)(a)(b) and 132(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022.
Reports have it that police counsel, A.N. Obo, Esq., of the Nigeria Police Force Legal Department, Zone 13, Ukpo, had asked the court to remand Okoye at the Nnewi Correctional Centre for 30 days to enable investigators conclude their investigation and transmit the case file to the Attorney-General of Anambra State for legal advice.
The application was supported by an affidavit deposed to on September 8, 2026, by the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Tijani Attai, of the Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo.
According to the affidavit, a formal complaint of conspiracy and cybercrime was lodged against Okoye and some other persons, who are currently at large, by one Mr. Innocent Okoli on August 19, 2026.
The police alleged that investigations had so far established a prima facie case against Okoye, accusing him of knowingly and intentionally publishing and circulating false messages through recorded voice notes on multiple WhatsApp groups.
One of the platforms was said to be an Nnewi-based WhatsApp group, where the suspect allegedly accused Okoli of being a kidnapper responsible for abductions in Nnewi and surrounding areas.
The police described the alleged publications as cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying, further claiming that they had caused the complainant to fear for his life and personal safety.
The prosecution also told the court that the Chief Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to try the alleged cybercrime offence, hence the application for Okoye’s remand pending the completion of investigation and commencement of appropriate proceedings before a court with the requisite jurisdiction.
A photocopy of the police case file and Form 12 were reportedly submitted in support of the application; while the certified court documents, including the motion, affidavit and written address, bear the September 8, 2026 stamp of the Chief Magistrate Court, Nnewi, and were certified by Okwara D.U., Deputy Director.
Recall that Mr. Okoye (Akachaam) who is a former Catholic Knight, was arrested in Nnewi by local vigilante operatives while carrying out what he described as a spiritual cleansing of the town.
His arrest on Saturday, September 5, generated considerable attention after videos surfaced showing him dressed in red attire, with a fresh palm frond between his lips and a bell in his hand, as he moved around performing what he described as a cleansing exercise.
At the time, Okoye reportedly told his interrogators that he was cleansing Nnewi because, in his view, the land had been desecrated. He also claimed that he had been authorised by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, to carry out the exercise, a claim that had not been independently verified.
The fresh court proceedings now provide another dimension to the circumstances surrounding his recent arrest and what could be the actual reason for the arrest, particularly as the cybercrime complaint predates the September 5 incident.
However, the court documents do not expressly state that the cybercrime complaint was the reason local vigilante operatives arrested Okoye during the spiritual cleansing exercise. It was, however, clearly established that there was already an active police investigation and complaint against him before the remand proceedings.
The latest development is another chapter in the increasingly controversial activities of Okoye, who first attracted attention in January 2026 when he walked out of the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi and publicly announced his renunciation of the Christian faith.
He had protested the alleged failure to recognise the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah during the ceremony, despite his huge financial contribution to the project before his death.
Given the alleged non-recognition, Mr. Okoye subsequently removed his shoes and knighthood cap while leaving the church premises and declared that he was done with Christianity. He also used the expression “Akachaam”, which subsequently became associated with him.
