By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the arrest of popular Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki,’ by the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba.
The flamboyant traditionalist, known for his public displays of wealth on social media, was reportedly arrested following an invitation from the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
The state government confirmed the development in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
However, Ejiofor, in a press statement on Sunday, decried the arrest as an unlawful act that tramples on fundamental rights and raises concerns about state authorities using security agencies for political vendettas.
He demanded Nwangwu’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that his continued detention sets a dangerous precedent for religious and expressive freedoms in the state.
“It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu has been unlawfully arrested by the Anambra State Government. This egregious act not only violates his fundamental rights but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power” Ejiofor stated.
He revealed that Nwangwu’s arrest stemmed from a trending video in which he allegedly mentioned preparing a substance called ‘Okeite.’
The lawyer, however, argued that the video was neither released on the native doctor’s official platforms nor promoted by him. Even if he had made the statements, Ejiofor insisted that there was no legal basis for his arrest.
Citing Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Ejiofor emphasized that every citizen has the right to freedom of thought, religion, and expression, which he believes the Anambra State Government has blatantly violated.
“Chief Nwangwu is a recognized and successful traditional doctor whose practice is based on his metaphysical beliefs. He has consistently discouraged individuals without legitimate means of livelihood from seeking his services,” Ejiofor noted.
He accused the state government of misusing the Agunechemba security outfit, urging it to focus on its core mandate of combating crime rather than being used for what he described as “political witch-hunts.”
Ejiofor called on the Anambra State Government to immediately release Nwangwu, stating that any attempt to suppress religious or cultural practices would be met with strong opposition from the people of the state.
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