Frederick Nwajiagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos, has been held in detention for over a year following his arrest on April 1, 2023. His detention stems from a viral video in which he allegedly threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect the properties of Igbo residents.
Nwajiagu was subsequently charged with nine counts of terrorism by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and arraigned before the Lagos State High Court. The charges against him include attempts to commit acts of terrorism, participation in terrorism, and supporting a proscribed entity. Despite pleading not guilty, Nwajiagu remains in custody without a trial conclusion.
The prosecution alleges that Nwajiagu violated multiple sections of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, specifically sections 403(2), 12(c), 18, 21, 29, and 12(a). The case has been marked by delays, and no verdict has been reached.
In the video that led to his arrest, Nwajiagu is heard stating, “IPOB, we will invite them… We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us.” These remarks were perceived as a call to mobilize support for the group, resulting in his arrest and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, declined to comment on the case, citing its status as an ongoing legal matter.
Now 67 years old, Nwajiagu was initially remanded in prison custody by the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Yaba. His prolonged detention without a resolution has raised concerns within the Igbo community and among his supporters, who continue to monitor the case closely.
