Court Clears Ajao Estate Igbo Leader of Terrorism Charges, Sentences Him for Chieftaincy Impersonation

By: Sesan Rufus Awobiye
Lagos, Nigeria — A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, the self-styled Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, of all terrorism-related charges, following nearly two years of detention at the Ikoyi Prison. Nwajagu, who had been incarcerated since April 2023, was cleared after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the terrorism accusations leveled against him by the Lagos State Government.
In a landmark judgment delivered on January 15, 2025, Justice Yetunde Adesanya ruled that the prosecution failed to present compelling evidence to prove Nwajagu’s involvement in terrorism or any act that could be classified as terrorism under Nigerian law. Nwajagu had been arrested and charged for allegedly inciting violence by inviting members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protect Igbo-owned businesses and properties in Lagos. The charges stemmed from a viral video that surfaced in April 2023, in which Nwajagu was heard calling for the mobilization of IPOB members for this purpose.
Background of the Case
The controversy surrounding Nwajagu’s arrest began on April 1, 2023, when a video of him circulated widely on social media. In the 49-second clip, Nwajagu was seen speaking in a manner that many interpreted as a call to action, urging IPOB members to come to the defense of Igbo properties in Lagos in the face of alleged attacks. The video sparked outrage and concern within the Lagos State government, particularly given the politically charged climate surrounding IPOB, which is a proscribed group by the Nigerian government.
Nwajagu, in the video, reportedly said:
“IPOB, we will invite them. They have no job. All of the IPOB will protect all of our shops. And we have to pay them. We have to mobilize for that. We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us at midnight, in the morning, and in the afternoon.”
This statement was seen as an attempt to incite unrest and to recruit members of a banned group to act as security forces for Igbo residents in Lagos, leading to his swift arrest on the same day the video went viral.
The Legal Proceedings
After his arrest, Nwajagu was charged with nine counts, including attempting to commit acts of terrorism, supporting a proscribed entity, participation in terrorism, and preparation to commit an act of terrorism. He was arraigned on May 10, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining that his comments had been misconstrued and that he had not intended to incite violence.
During the trial, the prosecution presented its case, relying heavily on the content of the viral video as evidence of Nwajagu’s supposed intent to engage in acts of terrorism. However, the defense argued that Nwajagu’s words had been misinterpreted and that his concern for the safety of the Igbo community did not equate to terrorism.
A significant part of the defense centered around the absence of a concrete plan or actual attempts to carry out any terrorist activities. The court also noted that there was no direct involvement of IPOB members in any violent acts in Lagos following Nwajagu’s statements.
The Court’s Ruling
In her ruling, Justice Yetunde Adesanya emphasized that while the content of Nwajagu’s speech may have been controversial and raised concerns, there was no direct evidence linking him to any terrorist activities or to the IPOB group in a way that could substantiate the charges. The judge noted that while Nwajagu’s remarks were inflammatory, they did not rise to the level of terrorism as defined under Nigerian law.
“The prosecution has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was involved in acts of terrorism,” Justice Adesanya stated in her judgment.
Despite the acquittal on the terrorism charges, Nwajagu was found guilty of violating the Lagos State Oba and Chiefs Law. He was accused of unlawfully parading himself as a chief, a title not recognized by the state. The court ruled that he had not followed the proper legal procedures for chieftaincy recognition, as required by the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2015.
Sentencing and Immediate Release
For the offense of impersonation, the court sentenced Nwajagu to 12 months in prison. However, considering that he had already served nearly two years in detention since his arrest in April 2023, Justice Adesanya ordered that he be released immediately, noting that the time he had spent in incarceration more than covered the sentence.
Legal Expert’s Insight
Legal experts have expressed mixed reactions to the judgment, particularly the acquittal on terrorism charges. Some have lauded the court’s decision for adhering to the principle of justice and ensuring that charges are not made on vague or insufficient evidence. Others, however, have raised concerns about the implications of the case for free speech and the potential for inflammatory statements to be used as a basis for charges of terrorism.
A notable testimony during the trial came from Mrs. Raulat Ibrahim, a civil servant at the Ministry of Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development. Ibrahim clarified that “Eze Ndigbo” is not a legally recognized chieftaincy title in Lagos State. She explained that a chief or Oba in Lagos must undergo a multi-step process, which includes recommendations from the local government, scrutiny by the Ministry of Justice, and final approval by the state governor. She further stressed that any installation of a chief requires formal recognition and certification from the state government.
Nwajagu’s Statement After Release
After his release, Nwajagu expressed relief and gratitude, stating that he felt vindicated by the court’s decision. “I have always been a man of peace and community. My concern was simply for the protection of the lives and properties of my people, but I never intended to break the law,” he said.
Nwajagu also expressed his desire to focus on the wellbeing of the Igbo community in Lagos, emphasizing the need for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
The acquittal of Frederick Nwajagu marks the end of a highly controversial legal battle that spanned almost two years. While the charges of terrorism have been dismissed, the court’s recognition of his violation of Lagos’ chieftaincy laws serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal frameworks in the recognition of traditional leaders. Nwajagu’s case highlights the complexities of balancing national security concerns with freedom of speech, and it underscores the ongoing tensions between political speech and legal boundaries in Nigeria.