Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has granted state pardon to convicted native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, alias Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him Ambassador for Youth Reformation.
The governor ordered his immediate release from custody on Friday, with a pledge to work with him towards the development of the state.
Nwangwu was convicted in February by the High Court, Awka, and sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment following a plea bargain after pleading guilty to charges relating to the practice of ‘Okeite’ and other related offences.
The court also ordered the destruction of his shrine located in Oba, Idemili South Local Council of the state.
Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested in 2025 after the state government enacted the Homeland Security Law, 2025.
The native doctors were arraigned over alleged promotion of money rituals, quick-wealth schemes and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.
Upon conviction, he was transferred to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility, Amawbia, to serve his jail term.
Part of the conditions of his sentence required him to renounce fetish practices and support youth reformation initiatives.
He accepted the conditions and had been serving his term before the governor exercised his prerogative of mercy.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Nelson Omenugha, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Omenugha said Soludo took the decision during a visit to the correctional centre in the course of his official engagements.
He explained that Nwangwu, in his new capacity, would be involved in the state’s youth reformation programme designed to dissuade youths from harmful practices and encourage productive pathways.
“This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and a new Onye Anambra,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for extending mercy to Nwangwu and conferring on him a new responsibility.
