Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, who was arrested and detained by the Anambra State Government.
Nwangwu, a well-known native doctor, was reportedly lured to a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, before being taken into custody.
A video circulating on social media shows him being interrogated before being forced into a waiting police van.
Ejiofor condemned the arrest, describing it as a blatant violation of Nwangwu’s constitutional rights to freedom of worship and expression.
He warned that the Anambra State Government’s actions set a dangerous precedent for fundamental rights violations.
“It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu has been unlawfully arrested by the Anambra State Government. This egregious act raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas,” Ejiofor stated.
He linked the arrest to a viral but undated video in which Nwangwu allegedly discussed preparing a substance called “Okeite.”
However, Ejiofor argued that even if Nwangwu made such statements, it does not constitute a crime.
Citing Sections 38, 39, and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, Ejiofor emphasized that Nwangwu’s rights to thought, conscience, religion, and expression are protected and cannot be arbitrarily infringed upon.
Ejiofor also raised concerns about the Agunechemba Security Outfit, recently established by the Anambra State Government, suggesting that it could be misused to settle political scores ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election.
“Any attempt to use Agunechemba as a tool for silencing perceived political opponents will be roundly resisted by well-meaning Anambrarians,” he warned.
Ejiofor urged the government to release Nwangwu immediately, stating that his continued detention is an abuse of power and a threat to religious and expressive freedoms in Anambra State.
