Governor Chukwuma Soludo says the fate of native doctor Chigozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko, rests with the courts.
He explained that only a judicial acquittal or a state pardon after conviction could secure his release.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has outlined the circumstances under which popular native doctor Chigozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko, could regain his freedom.
Nwangwu, widely referred to as Awka Okuko, was arrested in February over allegations of encouraging get-rich-quick practices, preparing charms for suspected criminals, and misleading young people into believing wealth could be achieved through rituals instead of hard work.
He was detained alongside two other spiritualists, Eke Hit from Okija and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor. The three have been on trial since their arrest.
During a campaign rally in Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area Nwangwu’s hometown some youths appealed to the governor to secure his release. They described the native doctor as a figure of pride to their community.
Responding, Soludo maintained that the matter was no longer in his direct control, stressing that due legal procedures must run their course.
He explained that while many people were pleading for leniency, the government had already handed the suspects over to law enforcement, and the judiciary must now determine the outcome. According to him, the court process cannot be bypassed by executive influence.
The governor emphasized that Nwangwu’s activities had misled young people into seeking shortcuts to wealth, which he said went against the values of Oba town. He urged residents to support efforts aimed at restoring the community’s reputation for honesty and hard work.
Soludo noted that the proper step for supporters of the detained spiritualist would be to await the conclusion of the trial. If Nwangwu is acquitted, he will be freed. If found guilty, the option of seeking a state pardon could then be considered, but only after discussions with community leaders.
He urged the people of Oba to focus on cleansing their community of negative influences such as drug abuse, kidnapping, and the obsession with “fast money,” insisting that genuine prosperity can only come through legitimate hard work.
