Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, has been discharged and acquitted of terrorism-related charges by the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Nwajagu, who had been detained since April 2023, faced nine counts, including attempted terrorism and financing a proscribed group.
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Presiding over the case, Justice Yetunde Adesanya found the Lagos State Government unable to prove the terrorism charges against Nwajagu.
However, the court convicted him of parading himself as a certified chief in Lagos State, a violation of the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment.
Background
Nwajagu’s legal troubles began in April 2023 when he was remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre following his controversial remarks in a viral video. He had warned that he might invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo lives and property amidst alleged attacks on Igbo-dominated markets in Lagos. Efforts to secure his bail were denied multiple times.
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Court Ruling
Chief Fabian Onwughalu, one of Nwajagu’s lawyers, shared the court’s decision, emphasizing that the prosecution failed to substantiate the terrorism charges.
“The Lagos State Government abysmally failed to prove any of the ingredients of the offence of terrorism against Eze Fred Nwajagu. Justice Adesanya discharged and acquitted him of all terrorism-related offences,” Onwughalu said.
The court, however, found Nwajagu guilty of impersonating a chief, citing that the Ezeigbo institution is not recognized under Lagos State laws.
Release and Appeal
Having spent nearly two years in detention, Nwajagu was ordered to be released immediately, as his time served exceeded the 12-month sentence.
Despite the partial victory, Nwajagu’s legal team plans to appeal the conviction. Onwughalu argued:
“The prosecution did not prove the offence of impersonation to warrant conviction. Moreover, the Ezeigbo institution is unrelated to the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State. The conviction violates the fundamental rights to freedom of association for Ndigbo in Lagos.”
Reactions
The case has sparked debates about ethnic relations, freedom of association, and the treatment of Igbo communities in Lagos. Onwughalu described the judgment as a win for Igbo people facing alleged persecution in Lagos.
“This is a victory for Ndigbo worldwide, particularly in Lagos, where they face dehumanization and discrimination based on tribal identity.”
Nwajagu’s legal team, who provided their services pro bono, has vowed to continue fighting for justice.
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