Soludo Pardons Native Doctor Akwa Okuko After 2-Year Jail Sentence

Soludo Pardons Native Doctor Akwa Okuko After 2-Year Jail Sentence

Controversial Anambra native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has received a pardon from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The governor made the announcement on Friday while visiting the Correctional Centre in Amawbia as part of an inspection of custodial facilities in the state.

Nwangwu’s release comes after the High Court in Awka sentenced him to two years in prison following his arrest by the state government.

Although the court imposed a two-year sentence, the time Nwangwu had already spent in custody was taken into account. Consequently, he was left with 11 months to complete his term.

Conditions Attached to the Court Sentence

The court had also ordered the demolition of Nwangwu’s shrine as part of the measures arising from the case.

In addition, it directed that once he completed his sentence, the native doctor should contribute to youth reorientation programmes. He was also expected to renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices and publicly speak against them.

Authorities had accused Nwangwu of involvement in fetish-related activities, including alleged preparation of charms reportedly intended for young people pursuing financial gains.

His arrest came amid the Anambra State Government’s campaign against practices it linked to criminality and fraudulent activities.

During Friday’s visit, Soludo said his pardon initiative was not solely about Nwangwu. He stressed that attention must also be given to the welfare and wellbeing of people held in correctional facilities.

The governor subsequently inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of the exercise.

Soludo Pardons Native Doctor Akwa Okuko After 2-Year Jail Sentence