Soludo frees native doctor and gives him a new role

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has pardoned a well-known native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu.

Mr Nwangwu, also called “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” was arrested in February 2025. He was sentenced to two years in prison in February this year for making charms used by criminals.

The court later decided that his two-year sentence would count the 13 months he spent in jail. This cut his remaining jail time to 11 months.

Like Mr Nwangwu, at least seven other native doctors were also arrested and are now facing prosecution.

Pardon and new role

Nelson Omenugha, the special adviser to Mr Soludo on Youth Reformation, shared the news on Friday. He said the governor visited the prison as part of his duties when he made the decision.

Mr Omenugha also mentioned that the governor appointed Nwangwu as an 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,” the aide explained.

Video clip

Meanwhile, a viral video shows Mr Soludo during his visit to the prison. He was with top government officials and prison authorities.

In another clip, Mr Soludo asked Mr Nwangwu when his jail term would end. He then told the native doctor that he would be leaving the prison with him.

Turning to a prison officer, the governor said, “I will sign the documents for his release now.” The video showed him signing the release papers.

“Now, let’s get to work. The work of developing Anambra, we will be doing together,” Mr Soludo told Mr Nwangwu, hinting at his new role.

Background

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the native doctor’s conviction came after Governor Soludo signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill into law in January 2025.

This law created the Agunechemba vigilante group and banned making charms for crimes and performing sacrifices on the road in the state.

It mainly targeted native doctors who create charms for criminals disturbing residents in the South-east.

The law also made the practice of Oke-Ite and Ezenwanyi illegal when it comes to wealth accumulation through supernatural means.

“Okite” means a large pot used in rituals in Igbo, while “Ezenwanyi” refers to a female spiritualist.

The Anambra State Homeland Security law 2025 also sets a penalty of six years in prison or N20 million or both for those found guilty.

This law aims to tackle rising insecurity in the state.