Soludo grants pardon to native doctor Akwa Okuko, gives him new role in Anambra

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.

Soludo signed the order for Nwangwu’s immediate release on Friday under the prerogative of mercy, following his conviction and subsequent imprisonment over charges relating to the practice of “Okeite” and other related offences.

The governor also pledged to work with Nwangwu in efforts aimed at promoting the betterment of Anambra State.

Nwangwu was sentenced to 11 months in prison in February after entering a plea bargain at the Awka High Court. He had pleaded guilty to charges connected with his activities as a native doctor.

The court had also ordered the destruction of his shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested in 2025 following the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

He was accused of promoting money rituals, quick-wealth practices and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.

Following the plea bargain, he was sentenced to 11 months and committed to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia.

As part of the conditions attached to his plea bargain, Nwangwu was required to renounce his fetish practices and commit himself to youth reformation.

He accepted the conditions and had been serving his sentence until the governor announced his pardon.

Soludo has now appointed him Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State, giving him a new role focused on promoting positive values among young people.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday.

According to Omenugha, Soludo announced the pardon during a visit to the correctional facility, which he said was undertaken as part of the governor’s official responsibilities.

Omenugha thanked the governor for extending what he described as a hand of mercy to Nwangwu and giving him a new responsibility.

“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,” Omenugha said.

The pardon means Nwangwu will leave custody before completing the 11-month sentence and begin his new role as an advocate for youth reformation in the state.