Why the arrest, detention of native doctor, Akwa Okuko is unjust – IPOB Lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor | READ DETAILS
Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB}, barrister, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described as unjust, the arrest and detention of Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’ by the Anambra State government.
According to Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer on Sunday;
“It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been unlawfully arrested by the Anambra State Government. This egregious act not only tramples on his fundamental rights but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas.”
“Since news of Akwa Okuko’s arrest broke, my phones have been flooded with calls and messages from concerned individuals, all questioning the legality of his detention. Upon further inquiry, I learned that he was invited for a meeting by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who personally called him. However, rather than a routine engagement, this invitation appears to have been a trap – one that has now led to his unjust detention.
“The crux of the matter lies in a trending undated video in which Akwa Okuko allegedly spoke about preparing a substance called ‘Okeite.’ Notably, I was made to understand that this video was neither released on his official platforms nor promoted by him. However, even if we assume – without conceding – that he made such statements, the fundamental question remains: What crime has he committed?
“Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provide clear, extensive, and unequivocal protections for every citizen’s freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These rights are sacrosanct and can not be arbitrarily infringed upon by any government, authority or local laws.
Specifically, Section 38 guarantees the right to practice and propagate one’s religion freely, whether in private or in public, alone or with others.
“Section 39 upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference.”
Recall that Akwa Okuko was apprehended on Saturday in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
While being interrogated at the deputy governor’s office, the native doctor denied doing ‘Oke ite’ for people, a charm said to be for money ritual.
“I have long stopped doing ‘Oke Ite’. That thing is not a charm. We just gave it the name ‘Oke Ite’ because we put it in a pot,” he said in a viral clip.
Responding, the deputy governor said: “We need to take him to where he does these things. We will investigate him, and of course, we need to know where he does these things.”
His arrest is part of the crack down on native doctors, as ordered by governor Chukwuma Soludo.
