Fresh outrage has erupted in Anambra State over the prolonged detention of popular native doctor and social media personality, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki, who has remained in government custody for over eight months without trial.
Associates of the controversial spiritualist have raised alarm over his deteriorating health, claiming he is gradually losing his eyesight.
One of his close female associates, who recently visited him, urged the authorities to grant him bail and ensure a speedy trial, insisting he remains “innocent until proven guilty.”
According to her, Nwangwu revealed that his ordeal began on February 8, 2025, after receiving what he described as a “personal and intentional” call from the Anambra State Government.
He claimed that after being invited, he was allegedly handcuffed at the Deputy Governor’s office and paraded to the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) headquarters in a humiliating manner.
He further alleged that his house in Oba, Idemili South Local Council, was searched without a warrant and that nothing incriminating was found. Despite this, he said officials returned a month later to conduct another search in his absence.
Nwangwu accused authorities of raiding his temple twice, seizing ritual objects and sacred materials for forensic analysis without his consent.
“Three months later, the DSS interrogated me briefly. My first court appearance was in April, but I’ve remained in solitary confinement since then,” he lamented.
He also claimed that his bank accounts were frozen, businesses shut down, and his hotels vandalised.
“My staff have lost their jobs, and my aged father was detained and later released. I am being held on trumped-up kidnapping charges I know nothing about,” he said.
The native doctor denied allegations linking him to the kidnapping of spiritualist Onyeze Jesus, describing the case as politically motivated.
“Even the alleged victim is not listed as a witness. I am being targeted out of envy and rivalry,” he said.
Supporters, including lawyer and politician Princess Njideka Ndiwe, described his detention as persecution.
She said Akwa Okuko had contributed to Anambra’s economy by running three hotels, employing over 80 workers, and funding community projects, including roads and water supply.
Legal experts also condemned his continued detention.
Lagos-based lawyer Francis Edo Obumse described the case as a violation of constitutional rights, citing that the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025 conflicts with Sections 38 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and association.
“The law’s attempt to regulate Okeite and Ezenwanyi practices directly interferes with African traditional religion,” Obumse said, calling Nwangwu’s prosecution “a clear case of victimisation.”
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu defended the profiling of traditional healers, saying it was part of an effort to sanitise the sector and weed out fake practitioners.
Represented by DPO Uche Noah during a rally by the Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA) in Awka, the commissioner said the initiative would help curb criminal activities linked to spiritual fraud.
NOWA President-General Nze Ezeafor Izuegbu said genuine practitioners support the profiling initiative and warned members against aiding criminals or politicians.
He pledged continued cooperation with the government to promote lawful traditional medicine and reduce crime.
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