Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticized the Anambra State Government for arresting Chidozie Nwangwu, a well-known native doctor popularly referred to as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.’
Nwangwu, who is famous for showcasing a lavish lifestyle on social media, was reportedly arrested by officers from the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba. News of his arrest spread widely after being posted on the Anambra State Government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ejiofor condemned the arrest, asserting that it violated Nwangwu’s fundamental rights and raised concerns about the misuse of state power for personal or political motives.
The lawyer called for Nwangwu’s immediate and unconditional release, describing his detention as illegal and a troubling precedent for the suppression of religious and free expression in the state.
Ejiofor emphasized that Agunechemba should remain focused on its primary role of fighting crime and not be used for political persecution.
The statement reads in part “It is deeply troubling that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been unlawfully detained by the Anambra State Government. This unjust act not only infringes upon his rights but also raises serious concerns about the abuse of state authority for personal or political agendas.
“Since news of his arrest emerged, I have received numerous calls from concerned citizens questioning the legality of his detention. Upon investigation, I learned that Nwangwu was invited by the Deputy Governor of Anambra for a meeting, but instead of a routine discussion, the invitation appears to have been a trap, leading to his current detention.
“The issue revolves around a viral, undated video where Nwangwu allegedly discussed the preparation of a substance called ‘Okeite.’ However, it should be noted that this video was not posted on his official social media accounts, nor was it promoted by him. Even assuming for argument’s sake that he made such statements, the question remains: What crime has he committed?
“Sections 38, 39, and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) unequivocally protect every citizen’s freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These rights cannot be violated by any government or local authority.
“Specifically, Section 38 guarantees the right to freely practice and propagate one’s religion, whether in private or public. Section 39 upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and share information without interference.”
Ejiofor stated that by detaining Nwangwu unlawfully based on his personal and religious statements—whether real or alleged—the Anambra State Government has violated these constitutional rights.
He further clarified that Nwangwu, a respected traditional healer, has always encouraged individuals with legitimate livelihoods to seek his services, maintaining a strong ethical practice.
“If his arrest is indeed related to the viral video, this constitutes an unlawful detention and must be condemned in the strongest terms. His continued imprisonment represents a clear violation of his rights and an abuse of power by the Anambra State Government,” Ejiofor added.
He called for the immediate release of Nwangwu, stressing that his detention is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for limiting religious and expressive freedoms in the state. Ejiofor also urged Agunechemba to stay focused on its core mission of combating crime, rather than being misused for political agendas.
“The people of Anambra will firmly reject any attempts to divert the security outfit from its intended purpose,” the statement concluded.
