‘IPOB’: Eze Ndigbo of Lagos Finally Regains Freedom

The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos has regained his freedom after detention linked to alleged IPOB activities, marking a significant development in the case.

The Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, who had been held in Ikoyi Prison since 2023 on terrorism charges, has been acquitted by a Lagos State High Court located at Tafawa Balewa Square.

The court found him guilty of impersonation and sentenced him to 12 months in prison.

The difficulties for Nwajagu started on April 5, 2023, when a Magistrates Court in Yaba, Lagos State ordered that he be held at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Efforts to obtain his bail were repeatedly denied by the Lagos State High Court.

The charges originated from allegations that he threatened to bring members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos for the protection of the Igbo community if the Federal Government did not ensure their safety against attacks.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Justice Yetunde Adesanya presided over the trial and ruled to discharge and acquit Nwajagu of nine terrorism-related charges. These included allegations of financing a proscribed group as well as participating in or attempting to support such an organization.

Addressing reporters, Fabian Onwughalu, part of Nwajagu’s legal team, stated: “Eze Fred Nwajagu, the traditional Igbo leader in Ajao Estate, Lagos State, was detained by the Lagos State Government on charges including terrorism. This followed accusations that he created a video warning Olu Omo and other Yoruba youths to stop persecuting the Igbos and burning markets predominantly occupied by them in Lagos. He purportedly threatened to involve IPOB if these incidents continued as a measure to protect Igbo interests in the region.”

The Lagos State Government was unable to successfully prove any elements of the terrorism charges against young Ezeigbo, leading Justice Adesanya at the High Court to discharge and acquit him on all counts related to these offences.

Nwajagu was found guilty of breaching the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State by falsely presenting himself as an official chief.

Onwughalu explained that although he was convicted, the court mandated his immediate release because he had already been in detention for almost two years.

Onwughalu recognized the court’s decision and described the acquittal as a triumph for the Igbo community, especially those in Lagos State who reportedly experience persecution.

He expressed that while it was distressing for Nwajagu to be imprisoned, the court victory symbolizes a triumph for Igbo people globally, particularly those in Lagos State facing persecution and dehumanization solely due to their tribal affiliation.

Onwughalu additionally announced plans to challenge the impersonation conviction, contending that the prosecution did not sufficiently establish their case. He also mentioned:

The Ezeigbo institution is not legally recognized under Lagos State law and therefore does not relate to the Oba and Chiefs Law. Additionally, this conviction violates the fundamental right of Ndigbo in Lagos State to Freedom of Association.