Human rights activist Okechukwu Nwanguma has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural and political organization, to intervene in the ongoing detention of Frederick Nwajagu, an Igbo Chief detained in Lagos over terrorism allegation.
Frederick Nwajagu, also known as Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arraigned before Justice Yetunde Adesanya at the Lagos State High Court. He faced a nine-count charge brought by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, including allegations of attempting to commit acts of terrorism, participating in terrorism, and supporting a proscribed entity.
Nwajagu’s arrest on April 1, 2023, was reportedly linked to a viral video in which he threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to secure Igbo residents’ properties. The charges against him include accusations of attempting to finance terrorism and preparing to commit acts of terrorism.
During the court proceedings, Jonathan Ogunsanya, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice representing Lagos State Attorney General Moyosore Onigbanjo, argued that Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, violated multiple provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.
After the charges were read, Nwajagu entered a plea of not guilty. Consequently, Justice Yetunde Adesanya adjourned the case until July 4, 2023.
In the 49-second video, Nwajago was heard saying, “IPOB, we will invite them. They have no job. All of the IPOB will protect all of our shops. And we have to pay them. We have to mobilise for that.
“We have to do that. We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us at midnight, in the morning, and in the afternoon.
“When they discover that we have our security before they will come, they will know that we have our men there. I am not saying a single word to be hidden. I am not hiding my words, let my words go viral. Igbo must get their rights and get a stand in Lagos State.”
Following his initial appearance at the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Yaba, the 67-year-old man was remanded in prison. However, human rights activist Okechukwu Nwanguma has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to take action and urge the Lagos State Government to drop all charges against Nwajagu.
He said in a statement, “I hereby call upon Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the socio-cultural and political organization dedicated to representing and advancing the interests of the Igbo people in Nigeria, to take immediate action regarding the continued unjust detention of Frederick Nwajagu.
“Mr. Nwajagu has now spent nearly two years in prison following his arrest in April 2023 for threatening to invite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protect Igbo businesses and properties amidst growing threats and attacks from certain ethnic bigots in Lagos.
“It is deeply concerning that those who made the initial threats which Mr. Nwajagu responded to have not faced legal consequences, while he has been left to languish in prison. This situation highlights what appears to be a discriminatory application of the law driven by ethnic bias.
“I urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to intervene on behalf of Mr. Nwajagu, advocating for the Lagos State Government to drop all charges against him. It is imperative that we stand for justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.”
“I believe that the voice of Ohanaeze can be a powerful instrument in ensuring fairness and representation for all members of the Igbo community.”
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