Court acquits Eze Ndigbo of terrorism charge in Lagos, jails him for parading self as certified chief
A Lagos State High Court has discharged and acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, of all terrorism charges against him.
However, the court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, also sentenced Nwajagu to 12 months in prison for parading himself as a certified chief in Lagos State.
Nwajagu’s case dates back to April 5, 2023, when a Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba ordered his remand at the Ikoyi custodial centre.
He was accused of threatening to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo lives and property in the absence of adequate security from the Federal Government.
While the High Court acquitted him of terrorism-related charges, it convicted and sentenced him to 12 months in prison for parading himself as a certified chief in Lagos State, in violation of the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya presided over the case, where Nwajagu faced nine counts, including attempting to commit terrorism, financing terrorism, participating in terrorism, and supporting a proscribed entity. On January 15, 2025, he was discharged and acquitted of all terrorism-related charges.
Fabian Onwughalu, one of Nwajagu’s lawyers, confirmed the court’s decision in a statement.
“Eze Fred Nwajagu, Ezeigbo, Ajao Estate, Lagos State was thrown into detention by Lagos State Government for terrorism and other offences allegedly for making a video warning Olu Omo and other Yoruba Youths to cease persecution of Ndigbo and burning of Igbo dominated markets in Lagos State, or else he would be compelled to invite IPOB to secure Igbo markets and assets in Lagos State,” the statement read.
“The Lagos State Government abysmally failed to prove any of the ingredients of the offence of terrorism charges against the young Ezeigbo, and the High Court coram Adesanya, discharged and acquitted him of all the counts of the terrorism related offences.
“He was however convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the offence of parading himself as a certified Chief in Lagos State contrary to the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.
“Having been incarcerated for almost two years, he was ordered to be released immediately.”
Onwughalu expressed mixed feelings about the case, noting that while Nwajagu’s incarceration was painful, his acquittal was a significant victory for the Igbo community, especially those facing persecution in Lagos.
He also revealed plans to appeal Nwajagu’s conviction for parading himself as a chief, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the charge.
Onwughalu further contended that the Ezeigbo institution is not recognized under Lagos State law and should not be subject to the Oba and Chiefs Law.
“Also the conviction offends the fundamental rights of Freedom of Association of Ndigbo in Lagos State,” he said.
“I am happy to be among the Counsel in the defence team who diligently offered their services pro bono.”
