Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, granted a pardon to Chidozie Nwangwu on Friday. Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, had been serving a prison sentence at the Correctional Centre in Amawbia.
Soludo signed the release order during a visit to the facility. He acted under the prerogative of mercy. As a result, Nwangwu left the centre the same day. The governor also appointed him Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State.
Nwangwu faced charges linked to the practice of Okeite and related activities. Authorities arrested him in 2025 as part of a wider operation against certain native doctors. In February, the Awka High Court convicted him after a plea bargain. The court imposed a two-year sentence. However, it counted time already spent in custody, leaving about 11 months remaining.
The court further ordered the demolition of his shrine. It also required him to renounce the practices and later serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation. Nwangwu accepted those conditions.
Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to the governor on Youth Reformation, confirmed the developments in a statement. He said Soludo visited the prison in fulfillment of his duties when he made the announcement.
Omenugha stated: “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.”
He added that this is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and a new Onye Anambra. Soludo also inspected another custodial facility in Onitsha during the same exercise. The pardon cleared the remaining portion of Nwangwu’s term and placed him in the new public role.
