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    Igbo Chief Who Threatened To Invite IPOB To Lagos Jailed For 12 Months

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    A Lagos State High Court has acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, of all terrorism charges but handed him a 12-month jail term for parading himself as a recognised chief in Lagos State. The court’s decision, delivered on January 15, 2025, ends nearly two years of legal battles and incarceration for the embattled community leader.

    Nwajagu first made headlines in April 2023 when he was arrested after a controversial video surfaced in which he threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed group, to Lagos. He claimed this was a response to alleged attacks on Igbo people and their property. “If the government cannot protect us, we will take measures to protect ourselves,” he reportedly said, sparking widespread debate.

    The Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, denying repeated efforts to secure his bail. He was subsequently charged with nine counts, including attempting to commit acts of terrorism, financing terrorism, and aiding a proscribed group.

    However, the state government struggled to provide conclusive evidence linking him to the alleged offences. This ultimately led Justice Yetunde Adesanya to dismiss all terrorism-related charges against him.

    Court’s Verdict

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    While acquitting Nwajagu of terrorism, the court found him guilty of violating the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State by parading himself as a traditional chief, a position not officially recognized by the Lagos State government. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for this offence.

    His lawyer, Chief Fabian Onwughalu, expressed both relief and dissatisfaction over the court’s verdict. “The state could not substantiate the terrorism charges. Justice Adesanya discharged him of these allegations. However, the conviction for parading himself as a chief is unjustifiable, as the Ezeigbo title is not recognized under Lagos law,” Onwughalu said in a statement.

    Mixed Reactions

    Onwughalu maintained that the outcome represented a partial victory for the Igbo community in Lagos and beyond. “This is a win for Igbo people globally, especially in Lagos, where they have faced various forms of persecution,” he declared, adding that Nwajagu’s comments in the video were born out of frustration over reported attacks on Igbo-dominated markets.

    Nonetheless, the lawyer criticized the basis of the conviction and indicated plans to appeal. “The court’s interpretation of the Oba and Chiefs Law as it relates to the Ezeigbo institution infringes on the fundamental right to freedom of association. We firmly believe the prosecution failed to prove this charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”

    Legal Implications

    Nwajagu’s case highlights the ongoing tensions between state laws and cultural institutions that are not officially recognized in certain Nigerian regions. The Oba and Chiefs Law governs the regulation and recognition of traditional rulers in Lagos State. However, the Igbo community’s Ezeigbo title is seen as a socio-cultural symbol and not legally enshrined in the state’s statutes.

    Proponents of the Ezeigbo institution argue that it serves to unify the Igbo diaspora in Lagos and provide a platform for resolving communal issues. Critics, on the other hand, claim it conflicts with established legal frameworks in states outside the southeastern region of Nigeria.

    Lengthy Incarceration

    Having been detained since April 2023, Nwajagu has already spent nearly two years in custody. With the 12-month sentence ordered by the court, his immediate release was mandated, taking into account time already served.

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    Supporters, including the defense team, expressed joy at his release while lamenting the conditions of his incarceration. “It is painful that he had to spend almost two years in prison for charges that were not proven,” said Onwughalu. He also praised the legal team that provided their services pro bono, describing their work as a defense of human rights and justice.

    Broader Implications

    Nwajagu’s arrest and trial occurred against the backdrop of ethnic tensions and political unrest, particularly during the buildup to the 2023 general elections. The video at the heart of his arrest touched on sensitive issues regarding the treatment of non-indigenes in Lagos, a city with a complex ethnic makeup and a history of political rivalries.

    The Igbo community, being one of the most prominent non-indigenous groups in Lagos, has often raised concerns about discrimination and targeted attacks on their businesses and property. During the elections, incidents such as the burning of Igbo-dominated markets fueled these tensions, prompting calls for better security measures to protect minority groups.

    Looking Ahead

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