Court Jails Anambra Native Doctor Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki), Orders Demolition Of Shrine Over ‘Okeite’ Practices

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced popular native doctor and social media personality, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, to 11 months’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to multiple criminal charges filed by the Anambra State Government.
Nwangwu was convicted on Friday by Justice Jude Obiora after entering into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution. The high-profile traditionalist had been standing trial alongside two other native doctors — Onyebuchi Okocha (alias Onyeze Jesus) and Ekene Igboekweze (alias Eke Hit) — under suit numbers A/40C/2025, A/41C/2025, and A/42C/2025.
The charges against the defendants included conspiracy to commit felony, particularly kidnapping; obtaining by fraud through claims of supernatural powers; promoting “Okeite” rituals allegedly used to fortify criminal elements; and violations of the Anambra Homeland Security Law enacted by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curb the activities of native doctors accused of providing spiritual backing to kidnappers and gunmen.
Following the plea agreement, the court convicted him on counts three, four, five, six, seven, and eight, while striking out counts one, two, nine, and ten.
Although he had already spent 13 months in custody since his arrest in February 2025 by the state’s special security outfit, Agunechemba, Justice Obiora ordered that he serve the remaining 11 months of his sentence at the Awka Correctional Center. A cumulative ?60 million fine initially awarded to the state government was, however, waived as part of the plea arrangement.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court directed that his Oba shrine be demolished. He was also barred from further practicing or promoting “Okeite” rituals or administering related charms.
As part of the rehabilitative conditions attached to the judgment, he is to serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation and entrepreneurship, engaging monthly in advocacy initiatives aimed at discouraging criminality. Upon completing his prison term, he is further required to make a public statement formally denouncing “Okeite” and similar practices.
Speaking after the ruling, his counsel, Sylvester Iwuoba, described the judgment as the outcome of a negotiated settlement with the state government and assured that his client would comply fully with the terms of the agreement.
The case marks one of the most high-profile prosecutions under the Anambra Homeland Security Law and underscores the state government’s intensified crackdown on individuals accused of enabling violent crimes under the guise of traditional spiritual practices.