The recent events surrounding the arrest of Fredrick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, and the controversial statements by notorious Lagos thug Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya, offer a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with ethnic violence, selective justice, and political intimidation. These incidents, which occurred during the charged atmosphere of the 2023 elections, expose deep-seated injustices that continue to fester in the country’s legal and political systems.
The Arrest of Eze Ndigbo Fredrick Nwajagu: A Case of Ethnic Discrimination?
Fredrick Nwajagu was arrested after a 49-second video surfaced on social media, in which he threatened to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo properties amid reports of attacks on the Igbo community in the state. Nwajagu, an influential Igbo traditional leader, stood by his statement, citing the vulnerability of his people in Lagos.
Despite his claims of frustration over the violence faced by the Igbo during the elections, Nwajagu’s arrest has ignited significant debate. While his comments were viewed by some as an incitement to violence, others believe that the Nigerian government’s focus on his actions is a case of selective justice. The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwagunma, voiced concerns over the lack of action against political thugs and figures who made equally inflammatory remarks during the same period. He pointed out the fact that APC spokesman Bayo Onanuga had previously made threatening statements about the Igbo community, yet no legal action was taken against him. Nwagunma called this a clear example of ethnic discrimination in law enforcement, where only certain individuals are held accountable based on their ethnicity or political affiliation.
MC Oluomo’s Threat: Political Intimidation and Voter Suppression
On the other hand, Musiliu “MC Oluomo,” leader of the Lagos motor parks management committee and a key figure associated with the APC, made headlines with a video that threatened Igbo voters during the 2023 gubernatorial elections. In a viral video, MC Oluomo warned that Igbos who did not plan to vote for the APC should “sit at home,” a statement that many interpreted as an attempt to intimidate potential voters and discourage them from participating in the democratic process.
Although MC Oluomo later tried to downplay his comments, claiming they were made in jest, the damage was already done. His statement, coming from someone with significant control over the APC’s grassroots support network, was seen by many as an attempt to disenfranchise voters who might otherwise vote for opposition candidates. The Nigerian Police initially dismissed the threat as a joke, despite widespread condemnation of his actions. This lack of decisive action, particularly in light of the intimidation tactics witnessed in the run-up to the elections, raised further questions about the neutrality of the security forces.
The Double Standards in Law Enforcement
The contrasting responses to these two incidents are emblematic of the double standards that persist within Nigeria’s legal and political systems. On one hand, Nwajagu is swiftly arrested and detained for his comments, despite the context of widespread violence and ethnic tension faced by the Igbo community. On the other hand, figures like MC Oluomo, who actively threaten voters and promote violence to ensure political victories, are either given a pass or downplayed by law enforcement as trivial matters.
This selective justice creates an environment where the rule of law is not applied equally, but rather in a way that benefits those in power. It also raises alarms about the growing use of ethnic and political intimidation as tools for maintaining political control.
Ethnic Intimidation in Lagos: The Larger Picture
The incidents involving Nwajagu and MC Oluomo are just the latest in a series of events that underscore the increasing politicization of ethnic identity in Lagos. The 2023 elections, particularly the presidential and gubernatorial polls, saw unprecedented political competition and voter turnout, with the Labour Party making significant gains in a state long dominated by the APC. The result was heightened political and ethnic tensions, particularly between the Yoruba and Igbo communities.
MC Oluomo’s threat, which was issued in the wake of the Labour Party’s unexpected success in the February presidential elections, reflects a larger pattern of intimidation aimed at securing a win for the APC. The defeat of APC candidate Bola Tinubu by Labour’s Peter Obi in Lagos, a state considered a stronghold for the APC, was viewed as a humiliating setback for the ruling party. MC Oluomo’s comments and the subsequent harassment of Igbo voters are seen as part of an effort to prevent a repeat of that loss in the gubernatorial elections.
The Need for Accountability and Justice
Both Nwajagu’s arrest and MC Oluomo’s actions highlight the urgent need for impartial law enforcement and political accountability in Nigeria. It is clear that political figures and ethnic leaders who use their influence to incite violence or intimidate voters must face the full force of the law, regardless of their political affiliation. However, the continuing pattern of selective justice only undermines public trust in the system, perpetuating divisions and injustices that ultimately destabilize the nation.
As Nigeria moves forward from these electoral battles, it is essential for the government and law enforcement to demonstrate a commitment to fairness, unity, and the protection of every citizen’s rights — regardless of their ethnicity or political allegiance.
Despite the serious nature of his comments and the widespread controversy that followed, Fredrick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). His prolonged detention, despite his claims of protecting his community amidst rising ethnic tensions, raises significant concerns about selective justice in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Musiliu “MC Oluomo,” whose threats to disenfranchise voters and intimidate the Igbo community were equally serious, continues to move around freely, with no legal consequences for his actions. This stark contrast in how the two individuals are treated highlights the ongoing issue of political and ethnic bias within the country’s law enforcement and justice system, and underscores the need for greater accountability and fairness in addressing such threats to public order.
