Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him as an Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.
Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested last year over alleged involvement in the promotion of money rituals, quick wealth and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.
Following his arrest, he entered into a plea bargain with the Anambra State Government earlier this year. He was subsequently sentenced to 11 months in prison and incarcerated at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Amawbia.
As part of the conditions attached to his plea bargain, Nwangwu was required to renounce his fetish practices and commit to serving as an ambassador for youth reformation.
He accepted the conditions and had been serving his sentence until Governor Soludo exercised his prerogative of mercy and ordered his release.
The development was disclosed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, who said Soludo announced the pardon during a visit to the correctional facility.
Omenugha thanked the governor for extending mercy to Nwangwu and giving him an opportunity to contribute to the state’s youth reformation efforts.
He said the initiative was aimed not only at punishment but also at correction, restoration and giving individuals an opportunity to embrace a new purpose.
“Thank you, Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for graciously extending your hand of mercy to Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and giving him a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation.
“This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and A New Onye Anambra,” Omenugha said.
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