By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has offered remission to Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko tiwara aki, reputed for money ritual known as okite. Exercising his constitutional powers under the Prerogative of Mercy, Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, during his visit to the Amawbia Correctional Centre on Friday, offered Mr. Nwangwu remission, effectively rounding up his jail term following his conviction earlier this year.
Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu was convicted in February 2026 on several counts of violation of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law and was subsequently sentenced to two years through a plea bargain entered into by the State and Mr. Nwangwu. However, his jail term was due for completion next month, but with the remission offered by the Governor, he has now been discharged.
Governor Soludo today, Friday, visited Correctional Centres in Anambra State, specifically the Onitsha and Amawbia Correctional Centres. The Onitsha Correctional Centre is housing about 739 inmates, which is the largest in the State. However, the Amawbia Correctional Centre is home to 602 inmates, although it was built for only 280 inmates.
Welcoming the Governor, the State Controller of the Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ezinne Onuoha, thanked the governor for coming. Speaking, Governor Soludo said the stopover was a part of his regular visit to correctional centres in the State. “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,” Governor Soludo said while speaking to the inmates.
The Governor then took the time to tour the facilities and thereafter held a town hall with some of the inmates, many of whom have spent years awaiting trial. Some of the most popular cases include murder, child trafficking, robbery, theft, and land-related disputes. Reacting, Governor Soludo revealed that Anambra has an unusual number of court cases. “Anambra has the second highest number of cases in Nigeria,” he said. Admonishing the inmates, the governor said that the essence of the experience was for them to become better humans. “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,” Governor Soludo said, urging the inmates to utilize their time well and learn skills. Assuring the inmates of the government’s commitment to them, Governor Soludo said that no one will be left behind under his watch. “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,” Soludo assured.
The Governor also encouraged inmates to take full advantage of the State Government’s plea bargain to speed up their trials. He also noted that a committee, headed by the Attorney General, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has been set up to review some cases and recommend those who may be considered for pardon or remission next month.
Governor Soludo was accompanied to the visits by various members of his team.
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