TD Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and signed an order for his immediate release from custody.
Soludo announced the pardon on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia, Anambra State.
A video from the ceremony shows the governor signing documents authorising Nwangwu’s release before interacting with supporters and officials outside the facility.
Akwa Okuko’s release
Nwangwu had been serving an 11-month prison term following his conviction by the Awka High Court in February 2026.
The court had convicted him in connection with offences relating to the practice known as “Oke-ite” and other matters.
It also ordered the demolition of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The court further directed that Nwangwu renounce Oke-ite and related practices and, after completing his sentence, serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation.
Reports said Nwangwu had already spent about 13 months in custody before the court’s sentencing decision, with the sentence structured to take his previous detention into account.
From detention to youth reformation
According to the governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, Nwangwu had previously indicated his willingness to participate in efforts aimed at redirecting young people away from criminality and quick-money schemes.
In August, Omenugha said Nwangwu had agreed to partner with the state’s youth-reformation programme and use his experience to discourage youths from making choices that could lead them into crime.
Following the pardon, Nwangwu is expected to take up the role of Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State, according to reports quoting Omenugha.
Background to Akwa Okuko’s arrest
Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025 as part of the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on activities it said were contributing to criminality, including alleged money rituals and the preparation of charms for criminals.
At the time, Nwangwu denied involvement in Oke-ite during questioning by Deputy Governor Onyeka Ibezim.
The governor had previously said that any possible pardon would have to follow the judicial process.
In October 2025, Soludo stated that if Nwangwu were convicted, community leaders could subsequently approach him to discuss a possible pardon.
That position has now been followed by the governor’s decision to exercise his prerogative of mercy.
Video sparks discussion over power supply
Footage circulating from the release ceremony also shows Governor Soludo and other participants inside the venue relying on a phone flashlight because of poor lighting.
The footage has prompted online discussion about electricity supply and infrastructure.
Some users are presenting the scene as an illustration of the challenges of unreliable power supply in Anambra State and the country in general.
However, the video itself does not establish the duration or cause of the lighting problem.
Also, no official statement located in the reports reviewed attributed the situation to a wider electricity failure.
