ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT APPREHENDS RENOWNED HERBALIST, AKWA OKUKO TIWARA AKI

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The Anambra State Administration, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has captured and confined a well-known herbalist, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, popularly referred to as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.

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A clip circulating on social platforms depicts the spiritualist being escorted to the office of Anambra State Deputy Governor, Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for interrogation before being ushered into a waiting law enforcement vehicle for custody.

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During the questioning, Akwa Okuko asserted that he had ceased conducting rituals and preparing talismans—commonly known as “Okeite”—for his clients since the government announced a crackdown on traditional medicine practitioners allegedly connected to unlawful activities.

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Governor Soludo had, in December 2024, initiated an intense campaign against herbalists, citing their supposed involvement in escalating criminal incidents across the state. The pronouncement triggered widespread fear and controversy among indigenous healers.

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The state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, later clarified that the prohibition specifically targeted “fraudulent” and “malevolent” spiritualists suspected of providing charms for abductors and armed delinquents. Nevertheless, the enforcement of this decree has been extensive and unselective.

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When inquired about a trending footage allegedly associated with him, Akwa Okuko refuted any involvement, stating, “It is not my account that uploaded the video.” He also admitted being cognizant of the prohibition and insisted that he had discontinued his operations in adherence to the regulation.

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He elaborated that “Okeite” is merely a label used for a specific ritual, emphasizing that it is not different from other customary rites.

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Deputy Governor Ibezim, however, emphasized the need for additional scrutiny, stating that Akwa Okuko would be escorted to his operational sites to furnish proof that he had genuinely abandoned his craft.

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“We must inspect those locations where you conduct these activities. The proof is in your workspace, and inability to provide it will result in repercussions,” Ibezim cautioned.

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After the inquiry, Akwa Okuko was directed into a patrol van following his unsuccessful attempt to leave in his private automobile.

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Do you believe the government’s operation against native doctors is warranted? Express your opinions below!**

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