The Attorney General of Anambra State, Mr Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), has explained that the early release of notorious native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, followed a combination of plea bargain proceedings and the Governor’s prerogative of mercy.

Nweke, who described Nwangwu’s case as an instructive example of the benefits of plea bargaining, urged inmates standing trial in the state who are satisfied of their guilt to consider the arrangement.

He said the remorse demonstrated by Nwangwu, coupled with the relatively short period remaining on his sentence, created conditions that made him suitable for executive clemency.

“The plea bargain indirectly paved the way for the prerogative of mercy, which we describe as a remote benefit of the plea bargain arrangement,” Nweke stated.

The Attorney General explained that under plea bargain agreements, convicted persons could receive non-custodial sentences, while those sentenced to prison terms could benefit from reduced periods of incarceration.

He added that such agreements typically require offenders to make restitution or compensate victims of the offences, where applicable.

Nweke said Nwangwu’s early release was also tied to his agreement to support the state government’s campaign on youth reformation and reorientation.

“As agreed under the plea bargain agreement, the early release of Akwa Okuko enables him to immediately join the state on the campaign on youth reformation and re-orientation,” he said.

He noted that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo had prioritised the decongestion of correctional centres and was systematically mainstreaming plea bargaining as a judicial tool to reduce pre-trial detention and overcrowding.

Nweke disclosed that since the Ministry of Justice launched a public awareness campaign on plea bargaining two months ago, about 150 applications had been submitted to his office and were currently under consideration.

Justice Jude Obiorah of Anambra State High Court had in February sentenced Nwangwu to 11 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges relating to money rituals.

The court, in its judgment, held that Nwangwu admitted to engaging in money ritual practices and preparing protective charms for criminals. (The Guardian)