Security personnel from the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have apprehended and detained Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, over alleged involvement in promoting money rituals.
The well-known native doctor, famous for his lavish lifestyle on social media, had gained widespread attention for endorsing Oke Ite, a supposed ritual said to bring immense wealth.
His arrest was officially announced on the Anambra State government’s X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, stating that he denied involvement in Oke Ite and was being held for further investigation.
Sources revealed that security operatives picked him up at his residence in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, before taking him to the office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, for questioning.
A video circulating online shows the deputy governor interrogating Akwa Okuko, where he refuted claims of performing Oke Ite.
He explained, “I stopped doing Oke Ite a long time ago. It is not a charm; we just gave it that name because we placed it in a pot. In Igbo, ‘Oke Ite’ simply means a big pot.”
During the interrogation, Deputy Governor Ibezim referenced the Anambra Homeland Security Law, stressing the importance of gathering evidence to verify his claims.
Addressing security officers, he stated, “You have all heard him. We need to investigate where he carries out these activities. If he fails to prove his claims, he will face legal action.”
This arrest comes nearly a year after Akwa Okuko was kidnapped in July 2023. Reports suggested that he was held captive for several days before securing his release, allegedly after paying a ransom.