Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has granted remission to popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki, bringing an early end to his prison sentence.
Professor Soludo exercised his constitutional powers under the Prerogative of Mercy on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Amawbia Correctional Centre, where he interacted with inmates and inspected the facility.
The governor also visited the Onitsha Correctional Centre as part of what he described as his routine engagement with correctional facilities across the state.
Nwangwu, who gained public attention over his alleged association with the okite money ritual, was convicted in February 2026 for violating provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following a plea bargain between the state government and the defendant. Although his sentence was expected to end next month, the remission granted by the governor has resulted in his discharge.
Welcoming the governor, the State Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Anambra, Ezinne Onuoha, expressed appreciation for the visit.
Addressing the inmates, Soludo said the visit was aimed at assessing their welfare and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to their well-being.
“This is part of my routine visit. After I was sworn in, I visited the Correctional Centres… I have come to see you just to be sure you are okay,” Soludo said.
The governor subsequently toured the facilities and held a town hall meeting with inmates, including some who had spent several years awaiting trial.
The cases involving inmates included murder, child trafficking, robbery, theft and land-related disputes.
During the engagement, Soludo highlighted the volume of court cases in the state, stating that Anambra has the second-highest number of cases in Nigeria.
“Anambra has the second highest number of cases in Nigeria,” the governor said.
He urged the inmates to use their time in custody productively by acquiring useful skills and focusing on personal transformation.
“The purpose of being here is so you become better human beings… If you finish staying here and do not become a new person, you have missed the idea,” he told them.
The governor assured the inmates that his administration would not abandon them, stressing that they remained citizens and that everyone had a responsibility to contribute to building a better society.
“We will never forget anyone. We are all citizens, and we all have a responsibility to make this place a livable city. The objective is to make Anambra and Nigeria better. Society will get better if people become responsible citizens,” he said.
Soludo also encouraged inmates to take advantage of the state government’s plea-bargain initiative to facilitate the resolution of their cases.
He disclosed that a committee headed by the Attorney General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, had been constituted to review selected cases and recommend individuals who may qualify for pardon or remission.
According to the governor, the committee is expected to submit its recommendations next month as part of efforts to address prolonged detention and improve the administration of justice in the state.
Governor Soludo was accompanied by members of his administration and other government officials during the visits.
The Onitsha Correctional Centre currently houses approximately 739 inmates, making it the largest correctional facility in Anambra State. The Amawbia Correctional Centre, meanwhile, accommodates 602 inmates despite having a designed capacity of only 280.
