A well-known native doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba, has been arrested by local vigilante operatives, Agunechemba, in Anambra State.
His arrest took place on Saturday in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, and was confirmed in a short video posted on the Anambra State New Media Facebook page.
The post stated:
“Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba denies Okeite and has been detained for further investigation by the security agency.”
Sources indicate that the traditional healer was taken to the office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, for interrogation.
A video circulating on social media shows the deputy governor questioning him. During the interrogation, Akwa Okuko denied involvement in Oke Ite, a term in Igbo that translates to “big pot.”
“I have long stopped doing ‘Oke Ite.’ That thing is not a charm. We just gave it the name ‘Oke Ite’ because we put it in a pot,” he stated.
In response, the deputy governor remarked:
“We need to take him to where he does these things. We will investigate him, and of course, we need to know where he does these things.”
Past Controversies
Akwa Okuko has been in the news previously. In July 2023, he was abducted by gunmen and spent several days in captivity before an alleged ransom was paid for his release.
Additionally, there have been accusations that he prepares charms for criminals, particularly kidnappers posing as internet fraudsters, who have been terrorizing the state.
To curb crime, the administration of Governor Charles Soludo enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in 2025. The law imposes strict penalties on native doctors involved in preparing or administering charms such as Odeshi, Okeite, and Mkpu Egbe.
