CHRISTIAN ABURIME
The era of the flamboyant social media traditionalist, Chidozie Nwangwu—famously known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki—has come to a dramatic and legal conclusion.
Appearing before Justice Jude Obiora at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, Nwangwu pleaded guilty to multiple charges brought against him by the State Government. The high-profile traditionalist was arraigned following his arrest in February 2025 by the specialized security outfit, Agunechemba.
The charges against the him was severe, ranging from conspiracy to commit kidnapping to obtaining by fraud and promoting the controversial “Oke Ite” rituals. The state alleged these practices were used to “fortify” criminals and provide spiritual cover for gunmen, directly violating the Anambra Homeland Security Law enacted by the State Government.
Under a plea bargain agreement, Nwangwu was convicted on counts three through eight by Justice Obiora.
Having already spent 13 months in custody, the judge ordered him to serve a remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Center.
While the court struck out four counts and waived a N60 million fine, the conditions for his eventual release are stringent. Nwangwu must serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation and issue a public statement denouncing “Oke Ite” practices, among others.
His counsel, Sylvester Iwuoba, confirmed that the judgment aligns with the agreement reached with the state, assuring that his client would fulfill his side of the bargain.
In compliance with the legal proceedings, the Anambra State Government moved to enforce the “zero-tolerance” policy of the Soludo administration on all manners of criminality. Operatives of Agunechemba immediately stormed Nwangwu’s compound in Oba, Idemili South LGA, to carry out a “surgical operation” against fetish criminality. The main shrine was demolished, and various ritual items—including the “Oke Ite” (the Big Pot)—were publicly burned.
“This is not an attack on tradition, but a surgical operation against criminality disguised as religion,” stated Mr. Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security. “By burning this shrine, we are sending a final warning: if you use your ‘powers’ to aid kidnappers, the law will find you, and your legacy will be reduced to ashes.”
The fall of Akwa Okuko serves as a landmark enforcement of the state’s security laws, signaling a definitive end to the influence of celebrity traditionalists found to be aiding the state’s insecurity.