The highly anticipated trial of Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, on charges of terrorism, faced a setback as his counsel failed to appear in court as scheduled on Tuesday.
Nwajagu, who was arrested on April 1 after a video went viral in which he threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to safeguard the properties of Igbo residents, was arraigned before a Magistrates’ court on April 5. He faced charges of conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
However, proceedings at the Lagos High Court, located at the Tafawa Balewa Square, were stalled when Nwajagu informed Justice Yetunde Adesanya that he was surprised by the absence of his counsel.
During the previous court session on May 9, Nwajagu was charged by the Lagos State Government on nine counts, including an Attempt to do Acts of Terrorism, Participation in a Terrorism Meeting to Support a Proscribed Entity, Attempt to finance an Act of Terrorism, and Preparation to Commit an Act of Terrorism. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial was adjourned to July 4 and 5.
When the case was called in court, the prosecution counsel announced their presence, but Nwajagu had no legal representative by his side. The defendant expressed his surprise at the absence of his counsel, stating that his lawyer had assured him that a junior counsel would be present.
The police prosecutor, SP Thomas Nurudeen, alleged that Nwajagu and other individuals at large committed the offences on March 26 at a residence in Ajao Estate, Lagos State. It was claimed that Nwajagu’s threats to bring IPOB to the state and shut down Lagos for a month had caused fear among residents. The alleged offences contravene Sections 168 (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya adjourned the trial to Wednesday, July 5, for its commencement.
The trial of Eze Ndigbo has stirred discontent among several Igbos, who argue that Lagos State is displaying bias. They claim that the state government remained silent regarding the mistreatment of Igbos during the recent gubernatorial elections in Lagos State. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of Nwajagu’s actions, considering the detrimental nature of the video he circulated.
A similar incident occurred recently, as the Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of Kehinde Adesogba Adekusibe for allegedly making threats against Igbos residing in the South West (Yoruba land). Adekusibe had taken to Twitter prior to his arrest, calling for the killing of all southeasterners in Yoruba land. The arrest was announced by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, via his official Twitter handle.
The incident serves as a clear reminder that hate speech and derogatory remarks targeting any ethnic group are treated seriously, as they are recognized as deliberate attempts to sow division and hostility among Nigeria’s diverse tribes.
