Legal Update: Frederick Nwajagu, Known as ‘Eze Ndigbo Of Ajao Estate,’ Cleared of Terrorism Allegations Yet Penalized for Chief Impersonation
On January 15, 2025, the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square acquitted Frederick Nwajagu, known as the ‘Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate,’ of terrorism charges. Justice Yetunde Adesanya ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, the court found Nwajagu guilty of violating the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos State by unlawfully parading himself as a chief without official recognition. Consequently, he was sentenced to one year in prison.
Given that Nwajagu had already spent nearly two years in custody since his arrest in April 2023, Justice Adesanya ordered his immediate release, as he had served more than the imposed sentence.
Nwajagu was initially arrested 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.