Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.
Nwangwu was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court sitting in Awka following his arrest by the Anambra State Government.
However, the court ordered that part of the sentence run concurrently with the period he had already spent in custody, leaving him with 11 months to serve.
The court also ordered the demolition of his shrine and directed that, upon completing his sentence, Nwangwu would serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices, and publicly speak against such practices.
Soludo announced the pardon on Friday during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia.
The governor said the gesture was aimed not only at pardoning Nwangwu but also at ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of inmates were adequately addressed.
He also inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of his visit to correctional facilities in the state.
Nwangwu was arrested over allegations of involvement in fetish-related activities, including the preparation of charms reportedly intended for youths seeking financial gains, among other charges.
His arrest formed part of the state government’s crackdown on activities it said were contributing to criminality and fraudulent practices in Anambra State.
