A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, the “Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate,” of terrorism charges but sentenced him to one year in prison for unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the terrorism allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the court found Nwajagu guilty of violating Lagos State’s Oba and Chiefs Law.
Since Nwajagu had already spent over two years in custody during the trial, exceeding the sentence imposed, he was released immediately.
Nwajagu, aged 67, was arrested in April 2023 after a viral video surfaced in which he allegedly threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo properties.
The video sparked public concern as Nwajagu claimed IPOB would secure Igbo-owned shops and potentially shut down Lagos for a month.
Initially charged with conspiracy and public disturbance, Nwajagu was later re-arraigned on nine terrorism-related counts by the Lagos State Government. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, a prosecution witness from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs testified that Nwajagu’s title as “Eze Ndigbo” was not recognised under Lagos State law.
The court’s verdict reaffirmed the procedural requirements for chieftaincy titles in Lagos and highlighted that no formal approval had been granted for such a position in Ajao Estate.
Justice Adesanya’s decision brings an end to a high-profile case that tested local laws on traditional titles and public safety.