•Ndigbo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for the immediate release of Chief Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, who has been detained since 2023.
Nwajagu is on trial for allegedly threatening to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to safeguard Igbo lives and property if the federal government failed to protect them during the last general elections, reports Daily Independent.
On April 5, 2023, a Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba ordered Nwajagu’s remand at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.
Despite multiple bail applications, including claims of his deteriorating health and assurances that he would not abscond, his requests have been denied. On July 28, 2023, Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State High Court rejected his bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and their potential consequences.
Speaking during a media briefing, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressed dissatisfaction with Nwajagu’s prolonged detention.
“We are deeply unhappy about this situation,” Ogbonnia said.
“Ohanaeze’s Lagos chapter has also condemned this injustice. The Lagos State Government must step in to ensure his release.”
When asked about seeking President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Ogbonnia affirmed, “Absolutely, all levels of government should take action to secure his freedom.”
Chief Omenazu Jackson, Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Rivers and Bayelsa States, also called for Nwajagu’s unconditional release.
“The 2023 general elections are behind us, and while winners have emerged, we must learn from the experience. Instead of fostering national unity, the elections exposed tribal divisions in some parts of the country,” Jackson said.
“In Lagos, we saw disturbing incidents of Igbo-phobia, with attacks on Igbo lives and property. Eze Frederick Nwajagu acted as a leader should, by seeking to protect his people from harm. His actions were not borne out of malice but a sense of responsibility,” he added.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide continues to urge all stakeholders to reflect on the nation’s democratic principles and ensure justice is served.
