A popular celebrity native doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba, has been arrested by local vigilante operatives, Agunechemba, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The arrest, which took place on Saturday, was confirmed through a short video shared on Anambra State New Media’s Facebook handle.

In the video, Akwa Okuko, known for his controversial activities, was shown being questioned by Anambra’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim. When asked about his involvement with the notorious ‘Oke Ite’ (big pot) charms, Akwa Okuko firmly denied any current connection.

“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,” he stated during the interrogation.

Despite his denial, the Deputy Governor responded, “We need to take him to where he does these things. We will investigate him, and of course, we need to know where he does these things.”

The arrest comes amid growing concerns about the increasing use of charms linked to criminal activities in Anambra.

Akwa Okuko has been previously tied to allegations of preparing charms for kidnappers posing as internet fraudsters. He was also kidnapped himself in July 2023 by gunmen before being released following a ransom payment.

The state has recently intensified efforts to tackle criminal activities, with the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration passing the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in 2025.

This law targets native doctors involved in the preparation and administration of dangerous charms, such as ‘Odeshi’, ‘Okeite’, and ‘Mkpu Egbe’.