In a landmark judgment, the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, popularly known as the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, of terrorism charges. The court’s ruling puts an end to a prolonged legal battle that began in 2023, during which Nwajagu faced accusations of threatening to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos for the protection of Igbo lives and property.
The embattled Igbo leader was initially remanded at the Ikoyi custodial center following an order by a Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba on April 5, 2023. His attempts to secure bail were repeatedly denied, leaving him incarcerated for over a year while awaiting trial.
The terrorism charges, which sparked intense debate over freedom of speech and the rights of ethnic minorities in Lagos, have now been dismissed by the court. Justice Adenike Coker ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to convict Nwajagu of terrorism-related offenses.
However, the court found Nwajagu guilty of impersonation, sentencing him to 12 months imprisonment. The conviction stems from his actions in parading himself as a certified chief under the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State without proper recognition or authority.
The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly within Nigeria’s Igbo community, which has faced escalating tensions and concerns over security in Lagos. Nwajagu’s initial statement, in which he allegedly called for IPOB’s involvement to safeguard the Igbo population, had ignited a firestorm of political and ethnic controversies.
While the dismissal of terrorism charges marks a significant legal victory for Nwajagu, the conviction for impersonation has added a new layer of complexity to his legacy. His supporters, who have long decried his incarceration as politically motivated, have expressed mixed reactions to the court’s verdict.
Legal analysts and human rights advocates see this ruling as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s judicial landscape. It underscores the delicate balance between addressing security concerns and preserving fundamental freedoms in a multi-ethnic society.
As Frederick Nwajagu serves his 12-month sentence, the case remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s justice system and the nation’s ongoing struggle to navigate the intersections of ethnicity, security, and the rule of law.
PIONEER NEWS 