Chidozie Nwangwu, a popular native doctor known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, received an 11-month prison sentence from a court in Awka. Authorities arrested him in February 2025 under a new law that criminalized money rituals and harmful charms.
The Charges and Plea
Prosecutors charged Nwangwu with 10 counts. The court struck out six counts but upheld four. These included involvement in “oke ite” rituals, money rituals, and preparing charms for criminals. Additional charges involved conspiracy to commit kidnapping and fraud through supernatural claims.
However the court accounted for his 13 months in detention. Meanwhile he had 11 months left to serve at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Court Orders and Waivers
Justice Jude Obiora presided over the case. He waived a N60 million fine due to Nwangwu’s remorse and guilty plea. The judge stated, “He will become an Ambassador for youth re-orientation. His oba shrine is to be destroyed.”
“He will no longer practise Oke ite and will not administer such charms. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will make public statements denouncing Oke ite and such charm practices.” The judge concluded.
Additionally, the court ordered the demolition of Nwangwu’s shrine in Oba. Officials must record the destruction on video. The court also confiscated ritual materials from his arrest.
Post-Sentence Responsibilities
After his release, Nwangwu must serve as a youth entrepreneurship ambassador. He will produce videos discouraging rituals and post them on social media. Furthermore he signed an undertaking to abandon “oke ite” practices.
Sylvester Iwuoba, Nwangwu’s counsel, said, “The judgment followed the agreement reached with the state government, and assured that the defendant will fulfill his own side of the bargain.” The defence accepted the consent judgment without appeal.
