Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki”.
Soludo signed the order for Nwangwu’s immediate release on Friday and pledged to work with him towards the betterment of Anambra State.
Nwangwu was convicted in February and sentenced to 11 months in prison following a plea bargain at the Awka High Court after pleading guilty to charges relating to the practice of “Okeite” and other related matters.
The court had also ordered the destruction of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested in 2025 following the passage of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He was charged with involvement in the promotion of money rituals, quick wealth and the use of human parts for rituals.
He was later sentenced to 11 months in prison and incarcerated at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia, Anambra State.
As part of the conditions of his sentence, Nwangwu was required to renounce his fetish practice and pledge to become an ambassador for youth reformation.
He accepted the conditions and had been serving his sentence until Soludo pardoned him under the prerogative of mercy.
The pardon also saw Nwangwu appointed as Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Omenugha said the governor had visited the prison in fulfilment of his duties when he announced the pardon and appointment.
He said, “Thank you, Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for graciously extending your hand of mercy to Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and giving him a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation.
“This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and a new Onye Anambra.”
Gov Chukwuma Soludo has granted a pardon to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.
Nwangwu had been serving an 11-month prison sentence over offences linked to Oke-ite practices. He has now been released.
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