CP, others okay profiling of traditional medicine practitioners
Fresh concerns have emerged over the prolonged detention of controversial celebrity native doctor, Mr Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki, who has been in the custody of Anambra State authorities for more than eight months without trial.
Close associates say the popular traditionalist’s health has deteriorated, with reports that his eyesight is failing.
Speaking anonymously, a female associate who recently visited him expressed alarm at his condition, urging authorities to grant him bail and ensure speedy trial, noting that he remains “innocent until proven guilty.”
According to the associate, Akwa Okuko said his ordeal began on February 8, 2025, after he received a “personal and intentional” call from the Anambra State Government. “For hours, I was subjected to mental torture, humiliation and depression,” he was quoted as saying. “I was handcuffed from the Deputy Governor’s office to the Anambra Vigilante Group office known as Agunaechemba, in a very degrading manner. My phones were seized and my aides dismissed.”
He alleged that his house in Oba, Idemili South Local Council, was searched the same day without a warrant by the Deputy Governor, his aides, and the vigilante group. “Nothing incriminating was found. Yet, a month later, they returned to conduct another search in my absence,” he said.
Akwa Okuko claimed that his temple was raided twice, with ritual objects and substances taken for forensic analysis without his knowledge. “Three months later, the DSS questioned me briefly. My first court appearance was in April, but since then, I’ve remained in solitary confinement,” he lamented.
He also alleged that his bank accounts were frozen, his businesses paralysed, and his hotels vandalised. “My staff have been thrown into unemployment. My aged father was detained and released after some days. I am losing my sight and my health is deteriorating. I am being held on trumped-up charges of kidnapping, a crime I know nothing about,” he said.
The traditionalist dismissed the allegations linking him to the kidnapping of one Mr Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus, describing them as baseless.
“Even the alleged victim is not listed as a prosecution witness. I am being persecuted out of jealousy and rivalry because I rose above expectations despite my humble background,” he added.
He accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo of publicly portraying him as a bad influence on youths. “I have used my platform to promote peace. Like any other preacher, I use social media to spread my beliefs. I have never coerced anyone into joining my faith,” he said, stressing that his religion condemns immorality and criminal practices.
Supporters of the detained native doctor, including lawyer and politician Princess Njideka Ndiwe, said he had contributed significantly to Anambra’s economy. “Beyond his spiritual practice, he owns three hotels with about 80 employees. He pays his taxes, provides scholarships, and undertakes community projects, including road construction and water supply,” she said.
Ndiwe noted that during Governor Soludo’s last campaign visit to Oba, youths turned out en masse to demand Akwa Okuko’s release.
Legal experts have also criticised what they describe as the growing clampdown on traditional religion practitioners in the state. Lagos-based lawyer Francis Edo Obumse argued that the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, passed in February 2025, contradicts constitutional provisions on freedom of religion and association.
“Section 18 of that law seeks to regulate the practices of Okeite and Ezenwanyi, which are integral to African traditional religion,” Obumse said. “By interfering in religious practice, it violates Sections 38 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. Any law that conflicts with these provisions is null and void.”
He further described the kidnapping charges against Nwangwu as “a clear case of victimisation,” adding that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to practise their religion without state interference.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, has defended ongoing efforts to profile traditional medicine practitioners, saying it is part of plans to sanitise the sector.
Represented by the Divisional Police Officer, Uche Noah, during a sensitisation rally of the Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA) in Awka, he said the move would help curb abuses by “fake” spiritualists who exploit the youth.
NOWA President-General, Nze Ezeafor Izuegbu, said members welcomed the initiative, noting that genuine practitioners were ready to be profiled. He urged native doctors to shun aiding criminals or bad politicians, warning that any member found guilty of malpractice would be sanctioned.
He added that the association, which operates across 13 Igbo-speaking states, would continue to collaborate with government and security agencies to promote lawful traditional medicine practice and reduce crime.
