After almost two years in custody at Ikoyi Prison, Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos, has been acquitted of all terrorism charges by a Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square. The court, presided over by Justice Yetunde Adesanya, delivered the landmark ruling on January 15, 2025, marking the end of Nwajagu’s legal battle that began in 2023.
Nwajagu was initially detained on April 5, 2023, following an order from a Yaba Magistrates’ Court. He was accused of threatening to involve the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in protecting Igbo lives and property in Lagos amidst alleged attacks. Efforts to secure his bail were consistently denied, prolonging his incarceration.
The Lagos State Government charged Nwajagu with nine offenses, including attempts to commit terrorism, financing terrorism, and associating with a proscribed group. However, the court found the evidence presented by the prosecution insufficient to substantiate these allegations, leading to his acquittal on all terrorism-related counts.
Despite this legal victory, Nwajagu was convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for unlawfully parading himself as a recognized chief in Lagos, in violation of the Oba and Chiefs Law. Having already served nearly two years in detention, the court ordered his immediate release.
Chief Fabian Onwughalu, one of Nwajagu’s defense lawyers, expressed mixed feelings about the outcome. While celebrating the acquittal on terrorism charges, he criticized the conviction for the title-related offense, arguing that it lacked legal merit.
“The Lagos State Government failed to prove any of the allegations of terrorism against Eze Ndigbo,” Onwughalu stated. “However, his conviction under the Oba and Chiefs Law is deeply flawed, as the Ezeigbo institution is not recognized under Lagos State law.”
Onwughalu further contended that the ruling undermined the Igbo community’s fundamental right to cultural expression and freedom of association, particularly in Lagos State.
The ruling is being viewed as a symbolic victory for the Igbo community, especially those residing in Lagos, who often face social and systemic challenges. Onwughalu highlighted that Nwajagu’s legal troubles stemmed from his outspoken defense of Igbo markets and communities allegedly targeted in attacks.
“This case is bigger than one individual—it’s about ensuring justice and preserving the dignity of the Igbo people,” he added.
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Despite the court’s decision to discharge Nwajagu on terrorism charges, his legal team has vowed to appeal the conviction related to his chieftaincy title. Onwughalu argued that the prosecution failed to establish credible evidence for the charge and questioned the applicability of the Oba and Chiefs Law to the Ezeigbo institution.
“This conviction sets a troubling precedent. We will challenge it to ensure that the cultural and associational rights of Igbos in Lagos are upheld,” he declared.
The defense team, which represented Nwajagu pro bono, emphasized their commitment to fighting for justice and addressing systemic issues affecting the Igbo community in Lagos.
