Lawyer kicks as celebrity native doctor arrested over alleged charms for Yahoo boys, kidnappers

A prominent native doctor in Anambra State, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba, has been arrested by Agunechemba, a local security outfit in the state.

The arrest, which took place in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, on Saturday evening, was confirmed by Soludo TV, a media platform linked to the state government.

“Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba denies Okeite and has been detained for further investigation by the security agency,” the statement on Soludo TV read.

Authorities reportedly arrested Akwa Okuko over allegations that he provides charms for kidnappers operating under the guise of internet fraudsters, also known as Yahoo boys, who have been terrorizing parts of the state.

The arrest follows the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law (2025), which imposes severe penalties on native doctors involved in preparing or administering charms such as ‘Odeshi,’ ‘Okeite,’ and ‘Mkpu Egbe’. The law prescribes a six-year prison sentence, a fine of N20 million, or both for offenders.

Sources indicate that the law specifically targets individuals involved in the creation and promotion of charms believed to offer protection or illicit wealth through unlawful means.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a well-known legal practitioner, has criticized the arrest, calling it a violation of fundamental rights.

He argued that the native doctor’s detention contradicts constitutional protections on freedom of thought, religion, and expression.

“It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu 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,” Ejiofor said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He further alleged that the arrest might have been politically motivated, claiming that Akwa Okuko had been invited for a meeting by Anambra State’s Deputy Governor, only to be detained upon arrival.

Ejiofor also pointed to a viral video in which Akwa Okuko allegedly spoke about preparing a substance called ‘Okeite’, though he insisted the footage was neither released nor promoted by the native doctor himself.

“If his arrest is indeed linked or limited to the aforementioned viral video, then this amounts to an unlawful detention and must be unequivocally condemned,” Ejiofor stated.

The lawyer further expressed concerns that the Agunechemba Security Outfit, established to combat crime, might be used for political purposes ahead of the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election.

He urged the state government to immediately and unconditionally release Akwa Okuko, warning that any attempt to use the security outfit as a tool for political suppression would be resisted.

“Agunechemba should remain focused on its core mandate—combating crime—and not be hijacked for political witch-hunts. If the state government attempts to subvert its original purpose, the people of Anambra will resolutely reject such misdirection,” Ejiofor warned.

The Anambra State Government is yet to release an official statement on the matter.