Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, Arrested for Making Charms for Kidnappers

Popular traditional native doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, has been arrested by operatives of Agunechemba, a local security group in Anambra State.  

According to Daily Trust, he was apprehended on the evening of Saturday, February 8, 2025, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. Reports suggest that the alleged kidnappers who orchestrated the arrest disguised themselves as Yahoo boys but are, in fact, responsible for terrorizing the state.  

The Punch reports that the billionaire native doctor was taken to the office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, for interrogation. However, Tiwaraki has denied all allegations and is currently detained for further investigation.  

In his statement, he said, “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. In the Igbo language, ‘Oke Ite’ means big pot,” 

The arrest comes in light of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which enforces strict penalties on native doctors involved in the preparation or administration of charms, including ‘Odeshi,’ ‘Oke Ite,’ and ‘Mkpu Egbe.’  

Under this law, offenders risk up to six years in prison, a ₦20 million fine, or both for creating or promoting charms believed to provide unlawful protection or wealth.