Anambra governor pardons convicted healer — Premium Times Nigeria
Governor of Nigeria's Anambra State Charles Soludo has pardoned traditional healer Chukwudozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, and appointed him as an ambassador for youth reform. Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Pardon and appointment
Nelson Omenugha, the governor's adviser on youth reform, said Soludo announced the decision during a visit to a correctional facility. According to him, the approach to youth reform involves not only punishment but also correction, rehabilitation, and a new purpose.
In a video circulated online, Soludo asked Nwangwu when his prison term was due to end and then said that he would leave the facility with him. The governor told a facility employee that he would sign the release documents; the recording shows him doing so.
Soludo then addressed Nwangwu and said they would work together on the development of Anambra State. The publication notes that this was connected to his new appointment.
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Sentence and state law
Nwangwu was arrested in February 2025. In February 2026, he was sentenced to two years in prison in a case involving charges related to making magical objects for criminals.
The court credited the 13 months Nwangwu had already spent in prison toward the sentence, reducing his remaining prison term to 11 months. According to Premium Times Nigeria, at least seven other traditional healers have also been detained in the state and are currently being prosecuted.
Nwangwu's conviction was preceded by Soludo's signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in January 2025. The document prohibits making magical objects for committing crimes and conducting sacrifices on roads. The law also bans the Oke-Ite and Ezenwanyi practices for accumulating wealth through supernatural means. Violations are punishable by up to six years in prison, a fine of 20 million Nigerian naira, or both penalties.
