A human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, who has been detained by the Anambra State government.
Ejiofor described the arrest as a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of worship and expression, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in Anambra State apprehended and detained the well-known native doctor. A viral video on social media, reviewed by SaharaReporters, showed that Akwa Okuko was initially taken to the office of Anambra State Deputy Governor Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, where he was interrogated before being forced into a waiting police van and taken away.
During the interrogation, Akwa Okuko stated that he had ceased practising and preparing charms and rituals, popularly known as “Okeite,” since the state government declared a crackdown on native doctors.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ejiofor condemned the arrest, calling it a blatant infringement on Nwangwu’s constitutionally protected rights. He warned that the Anambra State Government was setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine fundamental freedoms.
Ejiofor further revealed that Nwangwu had been invited to a meeting by the Deputy Governor but was instead detained upon arrival. The circumstances of the arrest have led to speculation, particularly concerning an undated video in which Nwangwu allegedly discussed preparing “Okeite.”
The statement read, “It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been unlawfully arrested by the Anambra State Government. This egregious act not only tramples on his fundamental rights but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas.
“A few weeks after the establishment of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, I expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the outfit for settling political scores—concerns that, unfortunately, are now being debated.
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“Since news of Akwa Okuko’s arrest broke, my phones have been flooded with calls and messages from concerned individuals, all questioning the legality of his detention. Upon further inquiry, I learned that he was invited for a meeting by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who personally called him. However, rather than a routine engagement, this invitation appears to have been a trap—one that has now led to his unjust detention.
“The crux of the matter lies in a trending undated video in which Akwa Okuko allegedly spoke about preparing a substance called ‘Okeite.’ Notably, I was made to understand that this video was neither released on his official platforms nor promoted by him. However, even if we assume—without conceding—that he made such statements, the fundamental question remains: What crime has he committed?
“Legal and Constitutional Violations: Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provide clear, extensive, and unequivocal protections for every citizen’s freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These rights are sacrosanct and cannot be arbitrarily infringed upon by any government, authority, or local laws.
“Specifically, Section 38 guarantees the right to practice and propagate one’s religion freely, whether in private or in public, alone or with others.
“Section 39 upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference.
“By unlawfully detaining Chief Chidozie Nwangwu based on his religious and personal declarations—whether actual or perceived—the Anambra State Government has blatantly violated these constitutional rights.
“Chief Chidozie Nwangwu is a renowned and successful traditional doctor, widely recognized for his metaphysical beliefs by his adherents.”
Ejiofor stated that he had been reliably informed that the native doctor has “consistently discouraged individuals without legitimate means of livelihood from seeking his services.”
He added, “I was further informed that he has publicly declared that only those engaged in genuine trade or business should consult him, demonstrating a strong ethical stance in his practice.
“If his arrest is indeed linked or limited to the aforementioned viral video, then this amounts to an unlawful detention and must be unequivocally condemned. His continued incarceration represents a gross violation of his fundamental rights and an abuse of power by the Anambra State Government.”
Ejiofor also expressed concerns about the Agunechemba security outfit, recently established by the state government.
He stated, “I have been a strong advocate of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, having publicly commended its launch as a necessary step toward tackling criminal activities by non-state actors that had previously terrorized our dear state.
“There were initial concerns that the security initiative lacked timely state support, allowing criminals to wreak havoc before Governor Soludo finally intervened. Now, with the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election approaching, it appears that the goalpost is shifting—raising suspicions of political manipulation.
“Any attempt to use Agunechemba as a tool for silencing perceived political opponents will be roundly resisted by well-meaning Anambrarians.”
“Given these troubling developments, I call on the Anambra State Government to immediately and unconditionally release Chief Chidozie Nwangwu. His detention is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of religious and expressive freedoms in our state,” Ejiofor concluded.
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