THIS DAWN — Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a strong public statement demanding the immediate release of popular Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.
Nwangwu has reportedly been held by the Anambra State Government since early February 2025, alongside two other traditional religion practitioners.
Sowore, in a post shared on Saturday, condemned what he described as the “extended and unjustifiable detention” of Nwangwu.
He questioned why the state government would arrest and hold individuals for practicing indigenous spirituality.
“Is it a crime to practice traditional religion? Or is there anything we don’t know?” he queried.
The activist accused Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of hypocrisy.
He noted that the governor has openly attended Christian crusades where, according to Sowore, “fake miracles were performed.”
He urged Soludo to end what he called the “persecution of these men NOW.”
Growing calls to release native doctor
Sowore’s demand adds to growing calls from notable Nigerians urging the state government to clarify the circumstances of Nwangwu’s arrest or grant him immediate freedom.
Civil rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has reportedly criticized the continued detention as a violation of constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
According to him, no Nigerian should be detained merely for practicing indigenous beliefs unless a clearly defined criminal offense is established.
Similarly, Igbo cultural advocate Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, president of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), has urged the government to avoid actions that appear to criminalize traditional spirituality.
He stressed that indigenous religious practitioners deserve the same protections enjoyed by adherents of other faiths.
Youth groups from Idemili South have also expressed concern to Soludo.
They warned that the prolonged detention without transparent explanation fuels suspicion, tension, and mistrust within the community.
As public pressure mounts, observers say the Soludo administration must either provide a clear legal basis for the continued detention or order Nwangwu’s immediate release.
For now, calls from Sowore and other stakeholders continue to intensify, demanding justice, transparency, and respect for religious freedom.
