Anambra Court send celebrity Herbalist Akwa Okuko to 11 month imprisonment

A High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” to 11 months in prison over his involvement in the outlawed “oke ite” ritual practices.

Justice Jude Obiora handed down the ruling on Friday, marking a dramatic turn in one of the most talked-about cases arising from the security clampdown in Anambra State.

Nwangwu was arraigned alongside two other native doctors, Eke Hit and Onye Eze, on a 10-count charge bordering on money rituals, “oke ite,” and preparation of charms allegedly linked to criminal activities. The trio had been arrested in February 2025 amid intensified security operations in the state.

Out of the 10 counts filed against Nwangwu, six were struck out while four were upheld. The court initially imposed a six-year prison sentence with an option of a ₦60 million fine, to run concurrently. However, following a plea bargain agreement between the defence and the Anambra State Government, the sentence was reduced to two years.

Taking into account the 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in detention under the Agunechemba Security Squad while awaiting trial, the court further reduced the effective sentence to 11 months. He is to serve his term at the Awka Correctional Centre.

In a sweeping order, the court directed that his shrine be destroyed and all materials recovered from him confiscated. He was also barred from practising “oke ite” or administering related charms.