A legal representative for Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticized the Anambra State Government for the recent arrest of a native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’. The Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, reportedly apprehended the well-known native doctor for his extravagant lifestyle displayed on social media. The news of the arrest was widely circulated after being initially shared on a government platform. In response to the arrest, Ejiofor issued a press statement condemning the violation of fundamental rights and expressing concerns about potential misuse of state power for personal or political reasons.
Ejiofor demanded the immediate release of the native doctor, emphasizing that the arrest was not only unlawful but also posed a threat to religious and expressive freedoms in the state. He urged the security outfit to prioritize its mandate of fighting crime rather than engaging in politically motivated actions. The statement highlighted the constitutional protections of freedom of thought, religion, and expression, asserting that the government’s actions violated these rights by detaining the native doctor based on his beliefs and statements.
The lawyer underscored the ethical practices of the traditional doctor, noting his commitment to serving only those engaged in legitimate trade or business. Ejiofor called for the state government to release Chidozie Nwangwu without conditions, warning against setting a precedent of suppressing religious and expressive liberties. He urged the government to uphold the rule of law and avoid diverting the security outfit’s focus from its core mission.