Soludo Pardons Akwa Okuko, Gives Him Appointment

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a state pardon to popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.

The governor announced the pardon on Friday during an inspection visit to the Correctional Centre at Amawbia, near Awka, where he said the exercise was aimed not only at extending mercy to the native doctor but also at assessing the welfare and wellbeing of inmates.

Soludo said Nwangwu had demonstrated signs of reformation and was ready to contribute positively to society.

He said the decision was in line with his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant individuals into society.

The governor also announced that Nwangwu would serve as an Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State.

He said the new role would enable the native doctor to support efforts to discourage young people from crime, promote responsible living and encourage them to embrace productive ventures.

Nwangwu had previously been convicted by an Anambra State High Court in connection with offences arising from the activities that led to his arrest and detention.

The governor also inspected the custodial facility at Waterside, Onitsha, as part of the exercise.

The inspection was aimed at assessing conditions in the facilities and ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of inmates receive appropriate attention.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced another popular native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as Eke Hit, to six years in prison.

Justice Jude Obiorah handed down the sentence after finding Igboekweze guilty on two of the charges brought against him.

The court ordered that the six-year sentences should run concurrently.

Igboekweze, from Umuofor Village, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area, gained prominence on social media for advertising charms purportedly used for wealth and other purposes.

He was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, alongside two other native doctors following the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

The defendants were later arraigned before the court on charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, preparing protective charms for criminals and money rituals.

In his defence, Igboekweze told the court that he was a registered herbalist and a member of the Odinani Okija Traditional Association.

He said his practice involved the use of herbs and roots.

In delivering judgment, Justice Obiorah held that the prosecution had proved the relevant charges against Igboekweze beyond reasonable doubt, while resolving another count in favour of the defendant.

Before sentence was passed, Igboekweze told the court that he had learnt his lesson and pleaded for forgiveness.

He appealed to the court to consider his family, particularly his newborn triplets whom he said he had not yet seen because he had remained in custody.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, his counsel, Chief Emmanuel Egbunonu, said the court had been considerate in waiving the N40 million fine attached to the two convictions.

Egbunonu said the court’s decision had taken into account the circumstances of the case.

Government counsel, Fabian Okeke, described the judgment as a measure aimed at protecting society from practices which, in the government’s view, undermine human creativity and discourage people from pursuing legitimate and meaningful ventures.

The developments come as the Anambra State Government continues to enforce its Homeland Security Law and promote the rehabilitation of individuals who have demonstrated willingness to reform and contribute positively to society.