Anambra State Governor, Professor 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.
The court had ruled that part of the sentence would run concurrently with the period Nwangwu 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.
He was further directed to renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices and make public statements discouraging such practices.
Governor Soludo announced the pardon on Friday during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia.
The governor said the exercise was aimed not only at granting pardon to Nwangwu but also at assessing the welfare and wellbeing of inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.
Soludo also visited and inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of the exercise.
Nwangwu had been arrested over alleged involvement in fetish activities linked to charms reportedly prepared for youths for financial purposes, among other allegations.
His arrest formed part of the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on activities it said were contributing to criminality and fraudulent practices across the state.
