A human rights lawyer and counsel for Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticised the Anambra State Government for the arrest of a native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’.
The operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, reportedly arrested the famous native doctor, known to display a flamboyant lifestyle on social media platforms.
The news of the arrest that had gone viral was first posted on the Anambra State Government X account, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.
But reacting to the arrest in a press statement on Sunday, Ejiofor said the arrest did not only trample on his fundamental rights, but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas.
He, however, called for his immediate and unconditional release, adding that the arrest his detention is not only illegal, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of religious and expressive freedoms in our state.
According to the lawyer, Agunechemba security outfit should remain focused on its core mandate of combating crime and not being hijacked for political witch-hunts.
The statement read in part, “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.
“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?
“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 can not 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.”
Ejiofor insisted that by unlawfully detaining the native doctor based on his religious and personal declarations – whether actual or perceived – the Anambra State Government has blatantly violated these constitutional rights.
He maintained that ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki’ is a renowned and successful traditional doctor, widely recognised for his metaphysical beliefs by his adherents.
“Contrary to the misconceptions being peddled, I have been reliably informed that he has consistently discouraged individuals without legitimate means of livelihood from seeking his services. 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.
“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.
“Agunechemba Security Outfit should remain focused on its core mandate – combating crime – and not being hijacked for political witch-hunts.
“If the state government attempts to subvert its original purpose, the people of Anambra will resolutely reject such misdirection,” the statement added.
