The violation of the fundamental rights of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aku, was unjust. He is not a criminal or a kidnapper. His only "crime" appears to be living a successful life as a traditional spiritual practitioner. Gone are the days when native doctors were perceived as unkempt individuals. In the same way that musicians like Davido or Wizkid should not be blamed for influencing Nigerian youths disapprovingly, traditional practitioners should not be arbitrarily targeted without evidence of wrongdoing.
While the Anambra State Government is commendably fighting banditry, criminality, and kidnapping, it must also prioritize job creation for the youth. Addressing unemployment is crucial in reducing crime and proselytizing long-term security.
The arrest and detention of Chief Nwangwu constitute a clear violation of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This arbitrary action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing religious and expressive freedoms under the guise of law enforcement.
Nigeria’s legal framework unequivocally protects individual freedoms, particularly regarding religion, expression, and association. Detaining Chief Nwangwu based on his religious and personal declarations—whether real or perceived—grossly violates these constitutional provisions.
His arrest, reportedly linked to a viral video in which he allegedly spoke about preparing a metaphysical substance known as Oke Ite, lacks legal justification. Even if, without conceding, he made such statements, they fall within the realm of personal belief and religious expression, which are firmly safeguarded under Nigerian law.
A widely circulated video capturing the Deputy Governor of Anambra State publicly interrogating Chief Nwangwu raises serious ethical and legal concerns. Media trials—where individuals are subjected to public scrutiny before due legal processes—distort justice by creating a predominant perception of guilt or innocence outside the courtroom.
Publicly questioning and humiliating Chief Nwangwu not only violated his privacy rights but also compromised the credibility of an impartial judicial system. Justice must be administered within the framework of due process, not through sensationalized public spectacles.
The invocation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law as justification for his arrest lacks a transparent evidentiary basis. If he has committed a crime, proper investigative and judicial processes should be followed rather than subjecting him to extrajudicial humiliation and detention.
Reports indicate that Chief Nwangwu was invited to a meeting by the Deputy Governor under pretenses, only to be arrested upon arrival. Such deceptive tactics, akin to entrapment, undermine the principles of justice and fairness.
The timing of this action—months before the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election—raises troubling questions about the politicization of law enforcement agencies. The Agunechemba Security Outfit, established to combat crime, now appears to be repurposed as a tool for political intimidation.
If law enforcement agencies are being used to target individuals based on religious and personal beliefs rather than genuine security threats, this represents a grave deviation from democratic governance and a slide into authoritarianism.
The selective application of the law exposes deep-seated hypocrisy. If Chief Nwangwu’s arrest was genuinely about regulating religious or metaphysical practices, then all religious leaders, traditionalists, and spiritual practitioners across Anambra should be subjected to the same scrutiny. However, this is not the case.
Chief Nwangwu is widely recognized as a successful traditional doctor whose adherents voluntarily seek his services. Contrary to misleading narratives, he has reportedly upheld ethical principles and discouraged individuals from engaging in unlawful activities. Criminalizing traditional spiritual practices—without clear evidence of wrongdoing—sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the religious and cultural freedoms of all Nigerians.
The continued detention of Chief Nwangwu is an egregious abuse of executive power and a direct affront to democratic principles. The Anambra State Government must act swiftly to rectify this injustice.
Immediate and Unconditional Release – Chief Nwangwu must be released without further delay. His continued incarceration serves no legal purpose and only reinforces concerns about state overreach.
Adherence to the Rule of Law – If there are genuine allegations against him, due process must be followed. Arbitrary detention without charge is an affront to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
The Agunechemba Security Outfit must not be used as a tool for political intimidation. Its focus should remain on combating crime rather than persecuting individuals based on religious or personal beliefs.
Protection of Fundamental Rights – The Anambra State Government must reaffirm its commitment to upholding the constitutional freedoms of all citizens, regardless of religious, traditional, or political affiliations.
The arrest of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu is not just an isolated incident—it is a test of the Anambra State Government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and democratic principles. If left unchecked, this abuse of power could set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of civil liberties across Nigeria.
Governor Charles Soludo and his administration must take immediate corrective action to uphold the rule of law and prevent further deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Anambra State.
The people of Anambra—and indeed all Nigerians—must remain vigilant against any attempt to trample upon constitutional rights. Silence in the face of oppression today only emboldens tyranny tomorrow.
While commending the Anambra State Government for its fight against kidnappers, criminals, and illegal activities, it must ensure that justice is not sacrificed in the process.
Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
Daniel Okonkwo
Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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