Lawyers Commend Lagos Court For Acquittal Of Eze Ndigbo On Terrorism Charges

Two Lagos-based lawyers have praised the Lagos High Court’s decision to acquit Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, of terrorism charges. The court ruled on Wednesday that the Lagos State Government failed to substantiate the charges against him.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya discharged Nwajagu on terrorism-related charges but convicted him for unlawfully parading himself as a certified Chief in Lagos State, a violation of the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the offence but ordered released, having already spent nearly two years in custody.

Mr. Chibuikem Opara, a Partner at Justification Chambers, commended the ruling, describing it as a victory for judicial integrity. He noted the judgment reinforced public confidence in the judiciary.

“The judgment demonstrated courage on the part of the judge. Criminal litigation requires proof of essential elements of an alleged crime. Where these are not established, discharge and acquittal is the rational outcome,” Opara stated.

He added that the defense team might consider appealing the conviction for parading as a certified Chief, citing “obvious reasons” for potential reversal.

Mr. Ademola Owolabi of Owolabi Chambers also lauded the judgment, urging prosecutors to ensure thorough evidence gathering before proceeding to trial.

The Lagos State Government had arraigned Nwajagu on May 9, 2023, on a nine-count charge, including attempting to commit acts of terrorism, financing terrorism, and associating with a proscribed entity. He pleaded not guilty.

Nwajagu was arrested on April 1, 2023, following a viral video in which he allegedly threatened to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo properties.

While acquitted of terrorism-related offences, the court’s judgment highlighted the need for careful judicial processes, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based prosecutions.