Soludo Pardons Akwa Okuko, Appoints Him Youth Reformation Ambassador

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

Soludo signed the order for Nwangwu’s immediate release on Friday during a visit to the Awka Correctional Centre, where the native doctor had been serving an 11-month prison sentence.

Nwangwu was convicted in February following a plea bargain after pleading guilty to offences relating to the promotion and practice of “Okeite” and other related activities. The court had also ordered the destruction of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

He was among eight native doctors arrested in 2025 following the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The authorities accused the group of promoting money rituals, quick-wealth practices and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.

As part of the conditions attached to his rehabilitation, Nwangwu agreed to renounce his fetish practices and serve as an ambassador for youth reformation.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, who announced the development, said the pardon reflected the administration’s emphasis on rehabilitation, correction and restoration.

According to Omenugha, the initiative is intended to give Nwangwu a new purpose and enable him to contribute to efforts aimed at discouraging harmful practices among young people in Anambra. Soludo also pledged to work with Nwangwu for the betterment of the state following his release.