Governor Soludo Pardons Jailed Native Doctor, Appoints Him Youth Reformation Ambassador
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has pardoned jailed native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.
Soludo signed an order for Nwangwu’s immediate release on Friday during a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia, where he was serving his sentence.
Nwangwu was convicted earlier this year after pleading guilty to charges relating to the practice of “Okeite” and related activities. He was sentenced to two years in prison, with part of the sentence running concurrently with time already spent in custody, leaving an 11-month term.
The court also ordered the demolition of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, and directed him to renounce Okeite and related practices and support youth reorientation.
Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested in 2025 following the passage of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law. Authorities had accused him of activities linked to money rituals, quick-wealth schemes and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Nelson Omenugha, said the pardon reflected the state’s approach of combining punishment with correction, restoration and reintegration.
Omenugha said Nwangwu would now work with the state as Ambassador for Youth Reformation, helping to discourage young people from practices associated with quick wealth and ritual activities.
The governor also pledged to work with Nwangwu towards the development of Anambra State.
