VIDEO: Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor what is your relationship with Akwa Okuko?

Many have continued to wonder the kind of relationship that exist between Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a former legal counsel to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra and Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, aka ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’.

On Sunday, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor did the unthinkable after he launched scathing attack against the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo following the arrest of Akwa Okuko by the newly established Anambra security network, Agunechemba.

Agunechemba arrested the celebrity native doctor known for his flamboyant lifestyle on social media over allegations that he prepares charms for kidnappers who masquerades as yahoo boys tormenting the State.

In a statement on Sunday, Ejiofor said the arrest did not only trample on Akwa Okuko’s fundamental rights, but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas.

Mr. Ejiofor while calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Akwa Ukoko, said the arrest and his detention is not only illegal, but also sets a bad precedent for the suppression of religious and expressive freedoms in the State.

He was quoted in the statement as saying, “It is deeply concerning that Chief Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been unlawfully arrested by the Anambra State Government. This egregious act not only tramples on his fundamental rights but also raises serious questions about the abuse of state power for political or personal vendettas.

“Since news of Akwa Okuko’s arrest broke, my phones have been flooded with calls and messages from concerned individuals, all questioning the legality of his detention. Upon further inquiry, I learned that he was invited for a meeting by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who personally called him. However, rather than a routine engagement, this invitation appears to have been a trap – one that has now led to his unjust detention.

“The crux of the matter lies in a trending undated video in which Akwa Okuko allegedly spoke about preparing a substance called ‘Okeite.’ Notably, I was made to understand that this video was neither released on his official platforms nor promoted by him. However, even if we assume – without conceding – that he made such statements, the fundamental question remains: What crime has he committed?

“Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provide clear, extensive, and unequivocal protections for every citizen’s freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These rights are sacrosanct and can not be arbitrarily infringed upon by any government, authority or local laws.

“Specifically, Section 38 guarantees the right to practice and propagate one’s religion freely, whether in private or in public, alone or with others.

“Section 39 upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference.”

Speaking further, Ejiofor insisted that by unlawfully detaining Akwa Okuko based on his religious and personal declarations, whether actual or perceived, Soludo’s administration has violated his constitutional rights.

He reiterated that ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki’ is a known and successful traditional doctor, widely recognised for his metaphysical beliefs by his adherents.

Ejiofor added, “Contrary to the misconceptions being peddled, I have been reliably informed that he has consistently discouraged individuals without legitimate means of livelihood from seeking his services. I was further informed that he has publicly declared that only those engaged in genuine trade or business should consult him, demonstrating a strong ethical stance in his practice.

“If his arrest is indeed linked or limited to the aforementioned viral video, then this amounts to an unlawful detention and must be unequivocally condemned. His continued incarceration represents a gross violation of his fundamental rights and an abuse of power by the Anambra State Government.

“Given these troubling developments, I call on the Anambra State Government to immediately and unconditionally release Chief Chidozie Nwangwu. His detention is not only illegal, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of religious and expressive freedoms in our state.

“Agunechemba Security Outfit should remain focused on its core mandate – combating crime – and not being hijacked for political witch-hunts.

“If the state government attempts to subvert its original purpose, the people of Anambra will resolutely reject such misdirection”.

But what was Ejiofor thinking when he launched this attack?

Though, Mr. Izuchukwu Adichie could be right in his opinion piece where he described Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Akwa-Okuku as symbols of infamy.

Akwa-Okuku, a Dibia, takes great pride in his role as a producer of the infamous “Okeite,” a powerful charm reputedly used by criminals to carry out their nefarious activities with a veil of deception. This dark trade has positioned him as a key player in the underbelly of crime, earning him a reputation steeped in suspicion and intrigue.

Adichie while criticizing Bar Ifeanyi Ejiofor outburst, said he has cultivated his image as a supporter and alleged associate of wanted criminals, thrusting himself into the spotlight through fervent appeals.

He said Ejiofor’s public outcry for the unconditional release of his so-called friend — a fraudulent Dibia, raises questions about his affiliations and motivations.

Could it be that Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor is hiding something he doesn’t want the general public to know? Yes, there could be something Ejiofor is not telling us.

Just as Izuchukwu Adichie contended in his opinion piece, “if security agencies were to embark on a comprehensive investigation today, they would possibly uncover substantial evidence linking Bar Ifeanyi Ejiofor to the sponsorship of various criminal activities across the Southeast, particularly within Anambra State”.

The age-old adage, “birds of a feather flock together,” rings especially true in this context, as the apparent besties between Ejiofor and notorious figures casts a long shadow over their reputations and intentions.

Lest we forget, the brash and tough-talking Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor in the past, was seen in a video partying with Akwa Okuko.

The flamboyant traditional doctor was seen spraying wad of Naira notes on him. Ejiofor did not even care to ask questions about the source of the money as a learned fellow, rather he was apparently carried away by the fanfare of the moment.

Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor in a way forgot that such display of ostentatious lifestyle subtly corrupted the mindset of some Igbo youths who doesn’t see any need again to pursue a decent way of making a living.

Fear God Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor! You are supposed to be encouraging the state government to go hard on these criminals tormenting the state. By abruptly describing the arrest of your friend Akwa Okuko illegal and unconstitutional, you are tacitly sabotaging the state government effort to stem the tide of insecurity.

Does it mean you are enjoying the insecurity in Anambra state and Southeast region?. Once again, Mr. Ejiofor allow the state government and security agencies to do their job. If after investigation, Akwa Okuko is not found wanting, he will be released.

 

Kalu Nwokoro Idika is a writer and investigative journalist with News Band International Newspaper

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