Soludo Pardons Akwa Okuko, Frees Jailed Native Doctor and Gives Him New Role
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, bringing an end to his remaining prison term.
Soludo announced the pardon on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia, Anambra State, where Nwangwu had been serving his sentence. Reports from Channels Television and Punch confirmed that the governor signed the necessary order for his release.
Nwangwu was convicted earlier this year by the Awka High Court after entering a plea bargain with the Anambra State Government. He was sentenced to two years in prison, although the period he had already spent in custody was taken into consideration, leaving him with an 11-month custodial term.
His case followed his arrest in 2025 alongside other native doctors in connection with allegations surrounding the promotion of money rituals, quick-wealth practices and the use of charms associated with such activities. He subsequently accepted conditions requiring him to renounce the practices and participate in youth reorientation efforts.
The court had also ordered the demolition of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, and directed that he take part in efforts aimed at discouraging young people from pursuing illegal or harmful shortcuts to wealth.
Following the governor’s pardon, Nwangwu has been given a role as Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State. The appointment is connected to the rehabilitation and reorientation conditions attached to his case.
The development marks a major change in Nwangwu’s situation, moving him from serving a prison sentence to taking part in a government-backed youth reformation initiative.
Governor Soludo also used his visit to inspect the correctional facility and emphasised the importance of the welfare and wellbeing of inmates, according to Channels Television.
Nwangwu’s release has since generated widespread reactions, particularly because of his public profile and the circumstances surrounding his conviction. His new role is expected to focus on youth reorientation and discouraging practices associated with fraudulent or dangerous attempts to acquire wealth.
