Popular Anambra native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, better known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has regained his freedom after Governor Chukwuma Soludo granted him a pardon, bringing his period of incarceration to an early end.
Soludo announced the pardon on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Amawbia, Anambra State. The governor subsequently signed the documents authorising Nwangwu’s immediate release.
Akwa Okuko had been convicted by the Anambra State High Court in Awka following proceedings relating to the practice of Oke-Ite and other activities. Reports said he was initially sentenced to two years in prison, with the period he had already spent in custody counted toward the sentence, leaving about 11 months to serve.
His case followed his arrest in 2025 alongside other native doctors during the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on activities it said were connected to money rituals, quick-wealth schemes and the preparation or use of charms for criminal purposes.
Following a plea-bargain arrangement, Nwangwu accepted conditions that included renouncing the practices associated with Oke-Ite. The court also ordered the destruction of his shrine in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, and directed that he participate in efforts aimed at discouraging young people from pursuing illicit or harmful shortcuts to wealth.
His release, however, was not the only major development surrounding his case.
Following the pardon, Nwangwu was given a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State. The state government said the role would involve using his influence to support youth reorientation and discourage young people from practices associated with quick wealth and criminality.
Governor Soludo also indicated that he would work with Nwangwu for the development of Anambra State.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, described the intervention as an opportunity for correction, restoration and a new purpose, thanking Soludo for extending what he described as a hand of mercy to Nwangwu.
After his release from custody, Akwa Okuko returned to his residence in Oba, where he was warmly welcomed by people who gathered to receive him.
Videos and images from his return showed the native doctor being received at his residence days after he had been serving his prison term. His homecoming has since attracted attention online, particularly because of the dramatic change in his circumstances within a short period.
Akwa Okuko, who was once a prominent and controversial figure associated with native spiritual practices, has now entered a new phase of public life following his conviction, pardon and appointment to a youth-reformation role.
His case had become one of the most notable outcomes of the Anambra government’s wider campaign against practices it linked to fraudulent wealth schemes, criminality and harmful ritual activities.
The governor’s decision to pardon him has therefore generated considerable discussion, with attention now shifting to the role he has been assigned and whether he will use his public influence to support the state’s campaign for youth reorientation.
For Akwa Okuko, his return to his residence in Oba marks the beginning of a new chapter after months in custody, with his new responsibility placing him in a position to participate in the state’s efforts to redirect young people towards what the government describes as legitimate and productive paths to success.
