Soludo pardons native doctor Akwa Okuko convicted over money-making charms for young Nigerians
By Mercy Ajekigbe
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted pardon to controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko.
Nwangwu was previously convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, following his arrest in February 2025 by a local vigilante group over allegations of preparing charms for criminals and engaging in related ritual practices.
The court had ruled that Nwangwu would serve only 11 months of the sentence at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Akwa, having reportedly spent 13 months in detention at the Agunechemba facility in Awka.
The court also ordered the demolition of his shrine and directed that, upon completing his sentence, Nwangwu would serve as a youth ambassador to campaign against illegal wealth practices and publicly renounce Oke-ite and other related charm practices.
Governor Soludo reportedly announced his pardon on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia, according to Channels Television.
By exercising his prerogative of mercy, Soludo said it was not only aimed at extending the pardon to Nwangwu but also at ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of inmates were adequately catered for.
Nwangwu has also been reportedly named Ambassador of Youth reformation in Anambra State.
