Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.
Soludo announced the pardon on Friday during an inspection visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia, Anambra State.
Nwangwu had been convicted and sentenced by the High Court sitting in Awka after his arrest by the Anambra State Government over alleged ritual and charm-related activities.
The court initially handed him a two-year prison sentence. However, it ruled that part of the term would run concurrently with the period he had already spent in custody, leaving him with 11 months to complete his sentence.
Court ordered shrine demolition
The court also ordered the demolition of Nwangwu’s shrine and directed him to renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices.
It further ruled that, after serving his sentence, he would become an ambassador for youth reorientation and publicly discourage young people from engaging in such practices.
Nwangwu’s conviction followed his guilty plea to several charges linked to ritual practices, preparing charms for criminals and other alleged criminal activities.
The Anambra State Government subsequently demolished his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, in line with the court order.
Soludo speaks on pardon
Speaking during his visit to the correctional facility, Soludo said the pardon was part of a wider exercise focused on the welfare and wellbeing of inmates.
He also inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of the exercise.
Nwangwu’s case had attracted significant attention as part of the state government’s broader crackdown on activities it said were linked to criminality, fraudulent practices and the preparation of charms for criminals.
The government has maintained that its actions are aimed at enforcing law and order and discouraging practices it considers harmful to young people and public safety.