Mirian Gom 
AWKA, Nigeria — Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has granted a pardon to controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia on Friday.
Nwangwu had been convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court sitting in Awka following his arrest by the Anambra State Government.
The court ruled that part of the sentence would run concurrently with the period he had already spent in custody, leaving him with 11 months to complete his jail term.
The court also ordered the demolition of his shrine and directed that, after completing his sentence, Nwangwu would serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices, and make public statements against such practices.
Soludo announced the pardon during his visit to the correctional facility, saying the exercise was aimed not only at extending clemency to Nwangwu but also at assessing the welfare and wellbeing of inmates.
The governor also inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of the exercise.
Nwangwu was arrested over alleged involvement in fetish practices linked to charms reportedly prepared for youths for financial purposes, among other allegations.
His arrest formed part of the state government’s wider crackdown on activities it said were contributing to criminality and fraudulent practices in Anambra.
The pardon comes against the background of the court’s earlier orders concerning Nwangwu’s sentence, shrine and future activities.
Further details on the terms and implementation of the governor’s pardon were not provided in the information available for this report.
About the Author
