Soludo Grants Pardon to ‘Akwa Okuko’ as Anambra Governor Visits Overcrowded Correctional Centres

By Staff Reporter

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has granted remission to popular native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki, bringing an early end to his prison sentence.

The governor exercised his constitutional powers under the Prerogative of Mercy on Friday during a visit to the Amawbia Correctional Centre, where he engaged inmates and inspected the facility.

Nwangwu, who gained public attention for his association with the alleged okite money ritual, was convicted in February 2026 for violating provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law. He was sentenced to two years in prison following a plea bargain between the state government and the defendant.

Although his sentence was expected to end next month, the remission granted by Governor Soludo has resulted in his discharge.

Soludo Visits Correctional Centres, Raises Concerns Over Overcrowding

Governor Soludo visited the Onitsha and Amawbia Correctional Centres as part of what he described as his routine engagement with correctional facilities across the state.

The Onitsha Correctional Centre currently houses approximately 739 inmates, making it the largest correctional facility in Anambra. Meanwhile, the Amawbia Correctional Centre accommodates 602 inmates despite having a designed capacity of just 280.

Welcoming the governor, the State Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Anambra State, Ezinne Onuoha, expressed appreciation for the visit.

Addressing inmates, Governor Soludo explained that his visit was intended to assess their welfare and reaffirm the government’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 individuals who had spent several years awaiting trial.

The cases involving inmates included murder, child trafficking, robbery, theft and land-related disputes.

‘Anambra Has the Second Highest Number of Cases in Nigeria’ — Soludo

Speaking during the engagement, Governor 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 inmates to use their time in custody productively, acquire useful skills and focus 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,” Soludo told the inmates.

The governor further assured them that his administration would not abandon them, emphasizing their place as citizens and the collective responsibility to improve 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.

Government Reviews Cases for Possible Remission

Governor Soludo also encouraged inmates to take advantage of the state government’s plea bargain initiative to accelerate the resolution of their cases.

He disclosed that a committee led by the Attorney General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, had been established to review selected cases and recommend individuals who may qualify for pardon or remission.

According to the governor, the committee is expected to make recommendations next month as part of efforts to address prolonged detention and improve the administration of justice in the state.

The governor was accompanied on the visits by members of his administration and other officials.

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