Court Frees Eze Nwajagu Over Terrorism Charges,  Jails Him For Parading Self As Chief In Lagos State 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

It was a mixture of victory and defeat for the incarcerated Ezendigbo of Ajao Estate, Eze Fred Nwajagu, over the charges of terrorism and parading self as class Chief in Lagos State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the Lagos State High Court sitting on Lagos Island has discharged Eze Nwajagu from terrorism charges because the prosecution was unable to prove the charges against him. However, he was found guilty of parading self as class Chief in Lagos State and consequently sentenced to one year imprisonment without an option of fine. But he was discharged by the Court because he had stayed for over two years for the alleged offence while the trial lasted.

The Presiding Judge,  Justice J Adesanya, discharged Nwajagu after the Lagos State Government through the DPP abysmally failed to prove any of the ingredients of the offence of terrorism charges against him.

Consequently,  Justice Adesanya discharged and acquitted him of all the counts of the terrorism related offences.

However, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the offence of parading himself as a certified Chief in Lagos State contrary to the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.

Eze Fred Nwajagu, Ezendigbo Ajao Estate, Lagos State was thrown into detention by Lagos State Government for terrorism and other offences for allegedly making a video warning Oluomo and other Yoruba Youths to cease persecution of Ndigbo and burning of Igbo dominated markets in Lagos State, or else he would be compelled to invite IPOB to secure Igbo markets and assets in Lagos State.

He was arrested and charged before the Court and he pleaded not guilty hence the trial commenced and ended on 15th January, 2025 after the judgement.

One of the Defence Counsels to Eze Nwajagu,  Barrister Fabian Onwughalu, described the judgment as painful, but was a victory for Ndigbo all over the world especially in Lagos State who are being persecuted and dehumanized just because of their tribal leaning.

“We shall strive to set aside the conviction on parading himself as a Chief in Lagos State on appeal as the prosecution did not prove the offence to warrant the conviction.”

“Moreover, the Ezendigbo institution is not recognised by the law of Lagos State, and so has nothing to do with the Oba and Chiefs Law. Also the conviction offends the fundamental rights of freedom of association of Ndigbo in Lagos State.”

“I am happy to be among the Counsels in the defence team, who diligently offered their services pro bono.” he stated.