Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki Jailed for Ritual Fraud

​In a landmark judgment aimed at curbing ritual-related crimes, an Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced high-profile native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, to 11 months in prison.

​Presiding Judge Justice Jude Obiora delivered the verdict on Friday, February 27, following a plea bargain agreement between the defendant and the Anambra State Government. Nwangwu, who has been in custody for thirteen months, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to fraud and the promotion of illicit rituals.

​The Crackdown on “Spiritual Cover”

​Nwangwu was arraigned alongside two other prominent traditional practitioners, Onyebuchi Okocha (alias Onyeze Jesus) and Ekene Igboekweze (alias Eke Hit). The state’s prosecution, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alleged that the trio provided “spiritual cover” for kidnappers and gunmen through the fortification of criminals.

​The charges included:

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• ​Conspiracy to commit felony and kidnapping.
• ​Obtaining by fraud through claims of supernatural powers.
• ​Promoting “Oke Ite” rituals, which the state identifies as a catalyst for violent crime.

• ​Violations of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, a legislative tool enacted to dismantle the infrastructure used by non-state actors.

​Terms of the Sentence

​Under the terms of the plea bargain, the court convicted Nwangwu on counts three through eight, while four other counts were struck out. Despite his conviction, the court waived a cumulative fine of N60 million originally sought by the state.

​However, the spiritualist’s influence in the town of Oba is set to be dismantled. The court ordered the immediate destruction of his shrine and issued a permanent injunction restraining him from practicing “Oke Ite” or administering charms.

​A New Path to Reform

​In an unusual rehabilitative twist, the court designated Nwangwu as an ambassador for youth re-orientation and entrepreneurship on a monthly basis. Upon his release, he is mandated to issue a public statement formally denouncing his former ritual practices.

​Defense counsel Sylvester Iwuoba expressed satisfaction with the proceedings, noting that the judgment reflected the mutual agreement reached with the government. He assured the court that his client is committed to fulfilling the terms of the bargain and pivoting toward a lawful path.