A popular native doctor in Anambra State, Chigozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been sentenced to 11 months in prison by Justice Jude Obiora at the State High Court in Awka.
The 51-year-old herbalist was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the state’s specialised security outfit, Agunechemba, for promoting “Oke Ite” – rituals allegedly intended for acquiring quick wealth. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges preferred against him by the Anambra State Government.
The charges included conspiracy to commit kidnapping, obtaining money by fraud, and promoting the controversial “Oke Ite” rituals. The state alleged that the practices were used to “fortify” criminals and provide spiritual cover for gunmen, directly violating the Anambra Homeland Security Law enacted by the state government.
Following a plea bargain agreement, Nwangwu was convicted on counts three through eight by Justice Obiora. Having already spent 13 months in custody, the judge ordered him to serve the remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Centre.
While the court struck out four counts and waived a N60 million fine, stringent conditions were attached to his eventual release. Nwangwu must serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation and issue a public statement denouncing “Oke Ite” practices, among other requirements.
Confirming the judgment, his counsel, Sylvester Iwuoba, stated that he aligns with the agreement reached with the state and assured that his client would fulfil his side of the bargain.
Following the court proceedings, Nwangwu’s main shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, was demolished. Various ritual items, including pots, pictures, moulded images, and numerous “Oke Ite” (the Big Pot) artefacts, were collected from the shrine and publicly burned.
Speaking on the destruction of the items, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, said: “This is not an attack on tradition, but a surgical operation against criminality disguised as religion. By burning this shrine, we are sending a final warning: if you use your ‘powers’ to aid kidnappers, the law will find you, and your legacy will be reduced to ashes.”
The sentencing of Akwa Okuko marks a significant enforcement of the state’s security laws, signalling a definitive end to the influence of celebrity traditionalists found to be aiding insecurity in the state.
