Lagos: Eze Ndigbo detained over 1 year for IPOB threat

Eze Ndigbo has been held in Lagos for over a year following his arrest for allegedly threatening to invite IPOB. Get the latest on his prolonged detention.

After being arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses, Frederick Nwajiagu has been detained for more than one year and five months without obtaining a conviction. Furthermore, he is the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos.

Despite being apprehended on April 1, in connection to a contentious video where he purportedly made threats of inviting members affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos, Nwajiagu is still awaiting final judgement for his case.

Nine charges were filed against Nwajiagu by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, and he appeared before Justice Yetunde Adesanya at Tafawa Balewa Square in May 2023.

The charges levied against the suspect encompassed endeavors to execute terrorist acts, sponsorship of a banned group, and making arrangements for financing terrorism. These accusations come within purview of sections enshrined in Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act 2022.

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Although facing grave accusations, Nwajiagu professed his innocence when the charges were presented to him. Consequently, his trial was postponed until July 4th of the year 2023. Presently though, there has been no verdict rendered and as such; this community leader remains confined in detention despite being a septuagenarian.

The origin of this case can be traced back to a video that went viral for 49 seconds. In the recorded footage, Nwajiagu conveyed his plans to summon IPOB members over to Lagos with intentions of safeguarding properties owned by Ibos. He asserted that mobilizing this group was necessary in order to provide protection from abrupt attacks during any part of day or night, stating “Our security must be assured”.

After his apprehension, Nwajiagu was taken to the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court located in Yaba. He received an order that required him to be detained and held in prison custody.

Although time has passed, his case remains unsettled and SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State, has refused to provide any commentary on the ongoing legal issue.