Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has raised fresh concerns over the prolonged detention of popular Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.
Nwangwu, a native of Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area, has reportedly been in the custody of the Anambra State Government since early February 2025, alongside two other traditional practitioners.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Sowore questioned the legal basis of their continued incarceration, insisting that no Nigerian should be detained for practicing traditional religion or indigenous spirituality.
Is it a crime to practice traditional religion? Or is there something the public is not being told? Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo must end the persecution of these men NOW!” Sowore declared.
The activist accused state authorities of failing to provide clear information regarding the circumstances behind their arrest or the charges if any brought against them. He described the silence surrounding their detention as “disturbing and unconstitutional.”
According to Sowore, the prolonged custody of the men raises serious questions about the respect for freedom of belief and the rule of law in Anambra State.
Nwangwu, a well-known traditionalist and spiritual consultant, gained prominence across the Southeast for his practices, before previously surviving a high-profile abduction in 2023.
