The Anambra State government has formally charged Chidozie Nwangwu a popular native doctor in the state also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki and other with kidnapping.
ENigeria News reports that Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki and other native doctors in Anambra State were arrested on the order of the governor of the state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who in December 2024 initiated a crackdown on fake native doctors in the state, following a surge in criminal activities, prominent among which was ritual killings and kidnappings across the state.
Akwa who had remained in the custody of the State government since his arrest due to allegations of involvement in criminal activities was on March 26, 2025 arraigned before a High Court holden in Awka Anambra state on two count charges of alleged kidnapping and conspiracy.
ENigeria News spotted the charge sheet which a part of it reads, “Chidozie Nwangwu and others at large on or about the 4th day of September 2024 at Nkpor within the jurisdiction of the court, did conspire among themselves to commit felony, to with; kidnapping. Contrary to section 314(1) of the Criminal Code Amended Law 2009.”
26 year-old Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki was apprehended by operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, in February 2025. During interrogation, he reportedly refuted claims of participating in the preparation of “Oke Ite,” a substance purportedly used for illicit purposes, stating that he had ceased such practices long ago.
Despite his denials, the Anambra State Government proceeded with plans to charge Akwa Okuko and other native doctors in custody with promoting money rituals and providing charms for criminal activities.
The government maintains that these actions are essential to restore order and address the exploitation of spiritual practices for unlawful gains.
