Nearly two months after his release, Frederick Nwajagu, Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, has appealed his Lagos High Court conviction. The court convicted him for unlawfully presenting himself as a titled chief in Lagos without legal recognition or approval.
His lawyer, Emefo Etudo, filed a Notice of Appeal contesting Sections 26-36 of the Obas and Chiefs Law. He argued that these provisions violate Sections 39 and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution on freedom of expression and association.
Background of the Case
Nwajagu, 67, was arrested in April 2023 after a viral video where he mentioned inviting IPOB members to Lagos. Authorities charged him with terrorism, conspiracy, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
However, Justice Yetunde Adesanya acquitted him of terrorism charges due to lack of evidence but convicted him for unlawfully parading as a titled chief. The court sentenced him to one year in prison, but released him due to over two years already spent in custody.
Grounds for Appeal
Nwajagu argued that his and his community’s activities in Ajao Estate are lawful under Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, he maintained that the Obas and Chiefs Law contradicts constitutional rights, making his conviction invalid.
Moreover, he stated that the prosecution failed to prove any violation of Section 34 of the Obas and Chiefs Law. He also emphasized no public proclamation existed, and his private cultural activities did not equate to illegal title assumption.
Legal and Administrative Proceedings
In the viral video, Nwajagu said IPOB members would protect Igbo-owned shops in Lagos for a fee. Authorities arraigned him on April 5, 2023, before a magistrate’s court on conspiracy and incitement charges.
Despite receiving bail of ₦1 million with four sureties, Nwajagu remained in custody due to unmet conditions. On May 9, 2023, Lagos State escalated charges to terrorism, arraigning him at the Federal High Court.
His trial began July 4, 2024. A prosecution witness stated that Lagos State law does not legally recognize any Eze Ndigbo title.
Current Status
In January 2025, Justice Adesanya sentenced him to one year in prison for unlawfully acting as a titled chief. Since he had already spent over two years in custody, the court released him immediately. Now, Nwajagu seeks full acquittal through the appellate court.
With his appeal now filed, Nwajagu seeks to clear his name and challenge the legality of his conviction. No date has been set for the appeal hearing.
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