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.
📹Watch #BRECHE #SgtShowAt40 pic.twitter.com/U1tcuSPDuj
— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) September 19, 2026
Here are some of the reactions:
A.P.O.C (@AOchiawuto): The worst governor in the history of Anambra State. Claiming to be a professor when an illiterate is better than him. He want to use Akwa Okuko, to calm down the mess he created. What is 3 weeks. Akwa has finished serving his term in prison. Foolish man.
Authentic Nation (@Authentic…): Now you pardon, I guess very soon he will be a minister or house of rep in Anambra State …this is how Nigeria choose there Candidates
Chūkã✨ (@ayamchuka90): Is this not another way to divert attention knowing he lost the dragging of Peter Obi after evidences sprang up. Dont be surprised PBAT come back and give MNK Presidential Pardon.
Chief Ndi Orlu (@ChiefNdiOrlu): Omo, e be like say Akwa Okuko juju don finally grip Charles Soludo with unbelievable nightmares wey make am release am.. Omo e go loud oo
United States of Biafra (@Coa…): He needs the services of akwa ọkụkọ that’s why he is releasing him
Agaliofu (@Somtochukw481…): Soludo is feeling the heat. He is doing everything to redeem his image. Ozonna is free
Beautiful Onyinye (@Onyiinw…): Soludo dey find relevance after disgracing his life. Ig he like make he turn nebukadneze back to human we don write am off be say we don write am off
Cornel (@Rexcornel02): So what is the work of judiciary?
OluwaTega Lee (@Oluwatega…): Now watch him come out to start attacking Peter Obi. You just watch and see. Nah here Una first see am oo. lol
Elemele Ernest (@ElemeleErn…): Na for shrine them release am from or na court be that yellow building?
I Belong To God (@Ibelong…): Soludo wants to use pardon to distract Anambra people from what he is doing with his commissioner.
No body (@Nobody1591389): The guy was sentenced to 2yrs imprisonment which started from the day he was arrested. And this Efulefu went there to give him pardon just 3 weeks to finish his sentence. If na me, I will reject that yeye pardon.
U.G.. (@KingsleyUgooo): lol I think politicians actually see masses as fools …
CAPITALIST’S TWEETS (@…): What is this cut and join video. You will join us in our what pls?
Chidiebere Nduaka (@Chidie…): The useless professor wants to divert people attention away from his miscalculations with Peter Obi issue that backfired ,he can’t stand the shame any more
oralxking (@bongo_d_tailor): What kind of pardon, just 3 weeks remaining. Politicans are manipulators, now everyone will see this as an act of mercy.. it’s just a part of campaign for Tinubu
‘ỤGỤLỤ Conceptions’🤌 (@…): What crime did Akwa Okuko commit?
MayGist (@MayGistv): Didn’t realise being a native doctor is a crime
Zika Zach (@ZachZika): I was expecting him to disappear or behave like Pericoma in Upper Iweka . Fake man..
ex sinner deepthinka47 (@ex…): Abeg ma amiable governor, make you go my state (Edostate )go arrest those pastor’s way dey form deputy God abeg, their own done too much