Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa okuko)

Chidozie Nwangwu (Chukwudozie Nwangwu), widely recognized as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, is a Nigerian native doctor, spiritual healer, and entrepreneur from Oba, Idemili South, Anambra State. Born on January 29, 1998, in Umumpama, he is the son of Amobi Henry Nwangwu (also known as “Mmiri Mara Ugo Onye Oba”) and Ngozi Nwangwu. His deep interest in traditional healing and spiritual practices led him to become a respected figure in his community and beyond.

Family and Personal Life

Akwa Okuko’s family background is steeped in tradition, with his father being a respected figure in their community. He married Flourish Mmasichukwu in 2022, and together they have a child. Despite his public persona, he has kept much of his personal life, particularly details about his children and siblings, private.

Career and Work

Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent native doctors, has carved a niche for himself through a blend of spiritualism, mystique, and bold publicity. Operating primarily from Oba in Anambra State, his work spans a broad range of traditional spiritual services, including rituals for wealth and fame, love enchantments, protection against enemies, and guidance in both personal and business affairs.

His reputation is particularly pronounced in the southeastern region, where many flock to him with hopes of resolving deep-seated issues—ranging from infertility and marriage crises to business stagnation. While some regard his methods as sacred and culturally significant, others view his practices as controversial and ‘devilish,’ especially given the spiritual depth and mysterious rituals often involved.

One of the more controversial aspects of his work is his alleged connection with money rituals (commonly referred to as “Ogwu ego”), which has made him both revered and feared. While Akwa Okuko has publicly denied engaging in harmful spiritual acts, critics and community whispers frequently associate him with occult-like practices said to empower clients with sudden wealth at metaphysical costs. His claim of being spiritually untouchable—even by armed assailants—only intensified these perceptions, especially after he survived a highly publicized 2023 kidnapping that raised more questions than answers.

Beyond his spiritual realm, Akwa Okuko ventured into hospitality with the establishment of Golden Egg Hotel in Oba—an opulent structure that symbolizes luxury and affluence. The hotel, which blends traditional African aesthetics with modern architecture, stands as a physical testament to his growing wealth and influence. However, it also sparked curiosity and suspicion among locals, with many questioning the source of funds used to finance such a massive project, further fueling speculation about his alleged “diabolical” riches.

In recent years, Akwa Okuko has leveraged social media to amplify his persona, sharing videos and testimonials that blend showmanship with spirituality. He frequently appears adorned in native regalia, surrounded by exotic animals or lavish displays of cash, reinforcing his identity as both a powerful dibia and a wealthy businessman.

Despite the controversies, his followers argue that his services have delivered tangible results, crediting him with transforming lives, healing ailments, and granting them financial breakthroughs. Still, to detractors, his success is seen as a product of dark power and manipulation, making him one of the most polarizing spiritual figures in contemporary Nigeria.

Scandals and Controversies

• Kidnapping Incident (July 2023):

In July 2023, a major controversy unfolded when Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, a well-known native doctor and spiritualist, was abducted from his hotel in Oba, Anambra State by unknown gunmen, and two of his aides were killed during the incident. He was released after six days, reportedly following the payment of a ₦350 million ransom. The shocking kidnapping, which took place under mysterious circumstances, drew widespread media coverage and public attention. Despite efforts by authorities and family members to locate him, his whereabouts remain unknown, raising serious concerns about security issues and the vulnerability of prominent figures in Nigeria.

1. Event: On July 23, 2023, Akwa Okuko was abducted from his hotel in Oba by unknown gunmen. During the incident, two of his aides were tragically killed. He was released after six days, with reports suggesting that a ransom of ₦350 million was paid for his freedom.
2. Aftermath: Upon his release, Akwa Okuko stated that he could have prevented his abduction but chose not to resist to avoid further casualties. He also mentioned that his kidnappers were linked to the sit-at-home crisis in the South-East and had killed multiple individuals in his presence.

• Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki Dispute

  During the grand opening of his hotel, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, a renowned native doctor, made a bold proclamation, pledging to reward anyone who could untie a ritualistically bound lamb with a sum of five million naira. This challenge attracted the attention of many, including a fellow native doctor, Mr. Chukwuemeka, who successfully unbound the lamb in accordance with the ritual’s stipulations.

  However, instead of receiving his promised reward, Mr. Chukwuemeka was met with denial from Akwa Okuko, who refused to acknowledge the successful completion of the ritual. This led to a public outcry, with Okongwu Dibia, another respected native doctor, stepping in to defend Chukwuemeka. Okongwu Dibia publicly criticized Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, accusing him of dishonesty and attempting to cover up the event to avoid fulfilling his promise.

  According to Okongwu Dibia, Chukwuemeka had followed all the necessary spiritual protocols and was undeniably successful in untying the lamb. He condemned Akwa Okuko’s actions, stating that the spiritual unbinding was valid and recognized. This disagreement quickly escalated, leading to heated exchanges between the parties involved and fueling widespread debate within the traditional and spiritual community.

  Chukwuemeka, who feels wronged by Akwa Okuko’s refusal to honor his word, is now demanding the payment of the five million naira reward as well as the return of his lamb. The dispute continues to garner public attention, with many calling on Akwa Okuko to uphold his integrity and fulfill his pledge.

• Client Dispute Over Failed Charm (November 2024):

Another scandal surfaced involving a dissatisfied client who sought Akwa Okuko’s services for a protection charm. The client reportedly paid 2.5 million naira for a charm that ultimately did not work. When the client requested a refund, Akwa Okuko allegedly refused and instead sent thugs to intimidate the client. In response, the client turned to Martins Vincent Otse, known by his Instagram handle @verydarkblackman, to expose the incident. Otse brought the issue to the public eye, sparking a wave of online backlash that ultimately pressured Akwa Okuko to return the client’s money.

These incidents have cast a shadow over Akwa Okuko’s reputation, intensifying public scrutiny around the ethics and accountability of traditional spiritual practices in Nigeria. The controversies underscore the ongoing challenges faced by those in the spotlight and the complex dynamics of traditional practices in a modern digital era.

1. Event: In November 2024, a client identified as Derock publicly accused Akwa Okuko of providing an ineffective charm for which he had paid ₦2 million in 2022. The client claimed that upon seeking a refund, he was assaulted by Akwa Okuko’s security personnel.
2. Resolution: In response to the public outcry and to maintain his reputation, Akwa Okuko refunded the client ₦2.5 million, exceeding the original amount paid.

Net Worth and Influence

With an estimated net worth of $500,000, Akwa Okuko has achieved significant financial success through both his spiritual practices and business ventures. His status as a trusted native doctor has helped him build a notable fortune, which includes investments in his hotel and other enterprises. Despite the challenges, his influence remains strong in the spiritual and entrepreneurial sectors of southeastern Nigeria.

In summary, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’s life combines the mystique of traditional spiritual healing with the realities of modern business. His work has impacted many in his community, but his personal life has also been marred by controversy, most notably the kidnapping that remains unresolved.

Recent Development

In early 2025, the Anambra State Government intensified efforts to curb criminal activities linked to ritual practices by native doctors. This initiative led to the arrest and arraignment of several prominent native doctors, including Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki”, Onyebuchi Okocha (alias “Onye Eze”), and Ekene Igboezekwe (alias “Eke Hit”).Punch Newspapers+2watchdogng.com+2PM News Nigeria+2Log in or sign up to view+5PM News Nigeria+5watchdogng.com+5

Arrests and Charges

• February 2025: The Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, arrested Akwa Okuko in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. He was detained for allegedly preparing charms for individuals involved in criminal activities, including kidnappers and internet fraudsters. PM News Nigeria+2Daily Trust+2The Whistler+2

• April 4, 2025: The Anambra State Government arraigned Akwa Okuko, Onye Eze, and Eke Hit before the State High Court on multiple charges. These included claims of possessing supernatural powers to make money, stagnate destinies, conspiracy to commit felony, kidnapping, and obtaining by fraud. Log in or sign up to view+2PM News Nigeria+2Log in or sign up to view+2

Court Proceedings

• During the initial court session, the prosecution indicated readiness to proceed, having served the charges to the defendants. However, the defense requested more time to respond adequately. Consequently, the presiding judge adjourned the case to April 11, 2025, and ordered that the suspects remain in detention at the Agunechemba facility pending further proceedings.

Anambra State Homeland Security Law

In response to the surge in crimes associated with ritual practices, the Anambra State Government enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in early 2025. This legislation imposes stringent penalties on native doctors who prepare or administer charms believed to offer protection or illicit wealth, such as ‘Odeshi,’ ‘Okeite,’ and ‘Mkpu Egbe.’ Offenders face up to six years in prison, a fine of ₦20 million, or both.

The law specifically targets individuals involved in creating or promoting such charms, aiming to dismantle networks that facilitate criminal activities through traditional practices. The arrests and subsequent legal actions against Akwa Okuko and his counterparts underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing this law and addressing the broader issue of ritual-related crimes in the state.

These developments highlight a significant shift in Anambra State’s approach to traditional practices linked to criminality, reflecting broader efforts to ensure security and uphold the rule of law.

References

1. Daily Trust. (2025, February 22). Anambra billionaire native doctor arrested over charms for Yahoo boys, kidnappers. Retrieved from https://dailytrust.com/anambra-billionaire-native-doctor-arrested-over-charms-for-yahoo-boys-kidnappers/

2. PM News Nigeria. (2025, April 4). Anambra govt docks 3 popular native doctors for alleged criminal activities. Retrieved from https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/04/04/anambra-govt-docks-3-popular-native-doctors-for-alleged-criminal-activities/

3. Daily Trust. (2025, April 5). Anambra cracks down on ritual charms with new law targeting native doctors. Retrieved from https://dailytrust.com/anambra-cracks-down-on-ritual-charms-with-new-law/

4. Vanguard News. (2025, April 6). Anambra to jail native doctors over money charms, Odeshi, Mkpu Egbe. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/anambra-to-jail-native-doctors-over-money-charms-odeshi-mkpu-egbe/

5. Channels Television. (2025, April 8). Why Anambra arrested three native doctors over charm production – State Government. Retrieved from https://www.channelstv.com/2025/04/08/why-anambra-arrested-three-native-doctors/

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