Ohanaeze appeals for release of Lagos Eze Ndigbo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has demanded the release of the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, Chief Frederick Nwajagu, who has been in detention since 2023.
Nwajagu is currently facing trial over alleged threats to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra to protect Igbo lives and property if the Federal Government failed to safeguard them against attacks during the last general elections.
On April 5, 2023, a Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba ordered Nwajagu’s remand at the Ikoyi custodial centre, while subsequent efforts to secure his bail were denied by the Lagos State High Court.
Despite the claim of poor health condition and assurance that he would not jump bail, Nwajagu’s bail application was rejected on July 28, 2023 by Justice Yetunde Adesanya, who stated that the seriousness of the allegation against him and its potential punishment left the court with no choice but to deny the request.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, expressed the group’s dissatisfaction with Nwajagu’s continuous detention.
Ogbonnia said, “We are not happy about it. Ohanaeze, Lagos chapter, has also condemned it. The Lagos State Government must intervene and ensure his release.”
When asked if they required President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, he stated, “Of course, government at all levels should ensure that he is set free.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Rivers and Bayelsa states, Chief Omenazu Jackson, said Nwajagu deserved to be released unconditionally.
“The 2023 general elections is over, and while winners have emerged, we must reflect on the experience. The outcome should not represent the greatest disservice to our nation but should be a foundation for progress. Unfortunately, we witnessed a disregard for democratic norms, with the revival of tribal divisions in some parts of the country.
“In Lagos, there was an alarming rise in Igbo-phobia, with attacks on property and individuals belonging to the Igbo community. In response, Eze Frederick Nwajagu issued a statement to defend his people and deter potential attackers. As a leader, he had a responsibility to protect his people, and his actions were not out of malice,” he noted.
