The Attorney General of State, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN) has said that the early release of Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko, from prison resulted from a combination of plea bargain proceedings and the Governor’s prerogative of mercy.

Nweke therefore, encouraged inmates currently standing trial in the state to consider plea bargain arrangements where they are satisfied of their guilt regarding the offences charged against them. He cited Nwangwu’s case as an instructive example of the process.

He said the remorse demonstrated by Nwangwu, coupled with the relatively short length of his remaining 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.

Nweke further explained that under plea bargain agreements, convicted suspects may receive non-custodial sentences, while those receiving prison terms benefit from reduced incarceration periods.

He said the arrangement also typically requires restitution or compensation to victims of the alleged offences.

“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,” the Attorney General said.

He noted that the Soludo administration prioritises decongesting correctional centres and is systematically mainstreaming plea bargain as a judicial tool to reduce pre-trial detention and overcrowding.

He recalled that since the State Ministry of Justice launched a public awareness campaign on plea bargain two months ago, approximately 150 applications have been submitted to the office of the Attorney General and are currently under consideration.

An Anambra State High Court presided by Justice Jude Obiorah had in February this year, sent the flamboyant native doctor, Nwangwu to eleven months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges bothering on money rituals.

The court in its judgement held that the native doctor admitted to engaging in money rituals practices and preparing protective charms for criminals.