Court Acquits Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate of Terrorism Charges, Sentences Him to 12 Months for Impersonation

A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has discharged and acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, of all terrorism charges filed against him. However, the court sentenced him to 12 months in prison for parading himself as a certified chief in Lagos State, in violation of the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.

Nwajagu had been in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre since April 5, 2023, after a Lagos Magistrates Court in Yaba ordered his remand. His subsequent bail applications were denied by the Lagos State High Court. He was accused of threatening to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo lives and property if the government failed to do so.

The trial, presided over by Justice Yetunde Adesanya, had been ongoing since 2023, with Nwajagu facing nine charges, including attempting to commit acts of terrorism, financing terrorism, and supporting a proscribed entity. On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, he was cleared of all terrorism-related offences due to the prosecution’s failure to prove the allegations.

One of Nwajagu’s lawyers, Chief Fabian Onwughalu, confirmed the verdict in a statement, highlighting that the case stemmed from a video in which Nwajagu allegedly warned Yoruba youth groups against targeting Igbo communities and businesses in Lagos. He said the government failed to provide evidence to support the terrorism charges, leading to the acquittal.

Despite the conviction for impersonation, Nwajagu was ordered to be released immediately, having already spent nearly two years in custody. Onwughalu described the ruling as a victory for Igbo people in Lagos and vowed to appeal the conviction. He argued that the Ezeigbo institution is not covered under Lagos State law and should not fall under the jurisdiction of the Oba and Chiefs Law.

He further contended that the conviction violated Nwajagu’s fundamental right to freedom of association and expressed confidence that it would be overturned on appeal. He also praised the legal team for their dedication, noting that they defended Nwajagu on a pro bono basis.