Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Human Rights lawyer and activist, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described the arrest of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, by the Anambra State Government as unlawful and a gross violation of his fundamental right to practice any religion of his choice.
Ejiofor, in a statement on Sunday made available to journalists in Awka, Anambra State, said the arrest not only tramples on the native doctor’s fundamental rights but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendetta.
He also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the outfit for settling political scores—concerns that, unfortunately, are now being debated.
Ejiofor noted that 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.
He further stated that the rights are sacrosanct and cannot be arbitrarily infringed upon by any government, authority, or local laws.
The statement released by Ejiofor reads: “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.
“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 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.Who is Akwa Okuko?
“Chief Chidozie Nwangwu 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.”
