Operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have arrested and detained popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki.

Akwa Okuko

Famous for his extravagant lifestyle on social media, the spiritualist has been notably silent since Agunechemba's establishment. His controversial promotion of "Oke Ite"—a supposed money ritual claimed to bring limitless wealth—earned him a significant following, particularly among young people.

The arrest was announced on the official Anambra State X handle (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The post read: “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba denies Oke Ite and has been detained for further investigation by the security agency.”

According to sources, the operatives apprehended Akwa Okuko at his base in Oba, Idemili South LGA, on Saturday evening and brought him to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, for questioning.

A resurfaced video shows Akwa Okuko previously boasting about being the most powerful Oke Ite native doctor. However, during interrogation, he denied involvement in the ritual, stating:

“I have long stopped doing ‘Oke Ite.’ It’s not a charm. We just called it that because we put it in a pot. In Igbo, ‘Oke Ite’ simply means ‘big pot.’”

In the same footage, Dr. Ibezim cited the newly enacted Anambra Homeland Security Law and emphasized the need for evidence to support Akwa Okuko’s claims. Addressing the operatives, he stated: “You’ve heard him. We need to investigate and confirm where he performs these things. If he can’t prove it, he’ll face the consequences.”

The arrest comes nearly a year after Akwa Okuko's kidnapping in July 2023, during which he reportedly secured his release after days in captivity and an alleged ransom payment.