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Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor Calls For The Immediate And Unconditional Release Of Alias Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki

The arrest of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has raised significant concerns among Nigerians, particularly in Anambra State. As a prominent traditional doctor and spiritual figure, Chief Nwangwu’s arrest has sparked debates surrounding the infringement of his constitutional rights, particularly his rights to freedom of worship, expression, and association. Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a well-known lawyer and the legal representative of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has publicly called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Nwangwu, highlighting the grave violations of his fundamental rights and the growing misuse of state power for personal or political purposes.

The Arrest of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu: A Grave Violation of Rights

Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, is a respected traditional healer in Anambra State. He is widely known for his metaphysical beliefs and practices, which have garnered a large following among his adherents. However, recent events surrounding his arrest have raised serious questions regarding the abuse of state power and the violation of his fundamental rights.

According to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the arrest of Chief Nwangwu was a deliberate and unlawful act by the Anambra State Government, which has trampled on his rights to freedom of worship and expression. The arrest came after the Chief was allegedly invited for a meeting by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, a meeting which, according to Ejiofor, turned out to be a trap leading to his detention. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the state’s actions and the potential abuse of power.

The core of the controversy lies in an undated video that allegedly featured Chief Nwangwu speaking about the preparation of a substance called “Okeite.” This video, which surfaced on social media, was not released by him personally nor was it promoted through his official platforms. Regardless of whether the statements in the video were made by him, Barrister Ejiofor raises a crucial point: what crime has Chief Nwangwu committed by expressing himself or practicing his religion, as is his constitutional right?

The Nigerian Constitution, under Sections 38, 39, and 40, guarantees the fundamental rights of every citizen, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These sections are clear in their protection of citizens’ rights to practice their religion, express their opinions, and hold peaceful meetings. Specifically:

• Section 38 guarantees every Nigerian the right to practice and propagate their religion freely, whether in private or public, alone or with others. This is a right that extends to every individual, including those practicing traditional beliefs.
• Section 39 provides the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference from the government or any other authority.
• Section 40 protects the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and associate, ensuring that they can come together for religious or social purposes without fear of arrest or harassment.

By arresting Chief Nwangwu based on his religious practices and personal expressions, the Anambra State Government has blatantly violated these constitutional protections. The state’s actions are not only illegal but represent a dangerous precedent for the repression of religious and expressive freedoms.

Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, is a well-established traditional doctor and spiritual figure. His practices are rooted in metaphysical healing, which is deeply respected by his followers. While his beliefs may not align with those of mainstream religious organizations, his rights as a Nigerian citizen to practice and propagate his religion are enshrined in the Constitution.

It is important to understand that Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’s practice is not merely a pursuit of financial gain. He is widely known for discouraging individuals without legitimate means of livelihood from seeking his services. His ethical stance is that only those engaged in genuine trade or business should consult him for metaphysical assistance. This demonstrates his commitment to helping individuals who are genuinely striving to improve their lives, rather than exploiting vulnerable people for personal gain.

The arrest of Chief Nwangwu, if indeed linked to the viral video in which he allegedly discussed the preparation of “Okeite,” constitutes an unlawful detention based on the expression of personal beliefs. His detention is not only unjust, but it also represents an abuse of power by the Anambra State Government. Such actions undermine the fundamental rights of citizens and set a worrying precedent for further repression of religious and cultural practices.

Another critical aspect of this situation involves the Agunechemba Security Outfit, which was established with the aim of tackling crime in Anambra State. Initially, the security initiative was lauded as a positive step towards reducing the influence of criminal elements in the state. However, as the political atmosphere heats up, particularly with the approaching 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections, there are growing concerns about the potential political manipulation of this security outfit.

Barrister Ejiofor has been a vocal supporter of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, recognizing its potential to address security issues within the state. However, he expresses concern that it may be misused as a political tool to silence dissent and target perceived political opponents. If the outfit is indeed being used for such purposes, it would represent a grave misuse of state resources and authority.

It is essential that the Agunechemba Security Outfit remain focused on its primary mandate—combating crime and ensuring the safety of citizens. Any attempt to divert its resources and focus toward political witch-hunts would be met with strong opposition from well-meaning Anambrarians. The people of Anambra must remain vigilant and ensure that the outfit is not hijacked for personal or political vendettas.

In light of these troubling developments, Barrister Ejiofor has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu. His detention is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of religious and expressive freedoms in Anambra State. Chief Nwangwu has the right to freely practice his religion, express his thoughts, and engage with his followers without fear of arrest or intimidation.

Barrister Ejiofor has emphasized the need for the Anambra State Government to act in accordance with the rule of law and respect the fundamental rights of all citizens. The arbitrary arrest and detention of Chief Nwangwu cannot be justified under any circumstance. The government must release him immediately and ensure that his rights to freedom of worship and expression are fully upheld.

Furthermore, the Agunechemba Security Outfit should be reoriented to focus solely on its core mandate of ensuring the security of the state and combating crime. It must not be allowed to become a political tool for silencing those who hold differing views or for settling personal vendettas. The people of Anambra deserve a security outfit that is focused on their well-being, not one that is used for political maneuvering.

As Barrister Ejiofor calls for the immediate release of Chief Nwangwu, he also urges the Anambra State Government to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of religious and expressive freedoms for all citizens. This includes revisiting and reviewing laws and policies that may unduly restrict or interfere with individuals’ rights to practice their religion, express their opinions, and assemble peacefully.

Nigerians must continue to safeguard the values enshrined in the Constitution. While the country is diverse in its beliefs and practices, the protection of fundamental rights—such as the right to freedom of worship and expression—is a cornerstone of democratic governance. No government or authority should have the power to arbitrarily restrict these rights for any reason, whether political, religious, or personal.

It is crucial that the Nigerian people remain united in their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. This is not just a matter of defending the rights of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu but also a broader call to protect the rights of every Nigerian citizen to live in a society where their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and expression are respected and upheld.

The arrest of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) represents a direct attack on his constitutional rights and is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Nigeria in terms of protecting religious and expressive freedoms. Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s call for his immediate and unconditional release underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, particularly their rights to practice their religion and express their opinions without fear of arrest or persecution.

As the situation develops, it is crucial that the people of Anambra State, and indeed the entire nation, remain vigilant and united in the defense of their rights. The misuse of state power for political or personal gain must be condemned, and all efforts should be focused on creating a society where individuals can live freely, practice their beliefs, and engage in constructive dialogue without fear of retribution.

The release of Chief Nwangwu would not only be a victory for him but also for all Nigerians who value the principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity. Let the rule of law prevail, and let the rights of every citizen be protected, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs.

EXCERPT

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 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.

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 recognized 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.

Concerns About the Agunechemba Security Outfit:

I have been a strong advocate of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, having publicly commended its launch as a necessary step toward tackling criminal activities by non-state actors that had previously terrorized our dear state.

There were initial concerns that the security initiative lacked timely state support, allowing criminals to wreck havoc before Governor Soludo finally intervened. Now, with the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election approaching, it appears that the goalpost is shifting – raising suspicions of political manipulation.

Any attempt to use Agunechemba as a tool for silencing perceived political opponents will be roundly resisted by well-meaning Anambrarians.

Call for Immediate and Unconditional Release:

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.

Let wise counsel prevail.