Eric Patrick
A human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki in Anambra State.
Ejiofor condemned the native doctor’s arrest in a statement, on Sunday, describing it as a blatant violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of worship and expression.
The lawyer cautioned the Anambra State Government against setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.
The popular native doctor was earlier arrested by the Anambra State government under the command of the State governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
In the video seen on social media by FirstNews, Akwa Okuko was first taken to the office of the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, where he was interrogated before he was forced into a waiting police van and taken away.
During questioning by the Deputy Governor, Akwa Okuko admitted to halting his practice of creating charms and performing rituals, commonly referred to as “Okeite,” for his clients. He revealed that he made this decision after the state government initiated a crackdown on native doctors in the area.
The statement read partly read, “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?
“Legal and Constitutional Violations: 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.
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“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.
“Chief Chidozie Nwangwu is a renowned and successful traditional doctor, widely recognized for his metaphysical beliefs by his adherents.”