Ohanaeze Calls for the Release of Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate After One Year in Detention
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide demanded the release of Chief Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos, after over a year of detention. Nwajagu has been held in the Ikoyi Custodial Centre since April 5, 2023, following a remand order by a Lagos State Magistrates Court in Yaba. Despite efforts to secure his release, his bail applications were rejected by the Lagos State High Court.
Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressed the organization’s dissatisfaction with the prolonged detention, emphasizing that the Lagos State government must intervene to ensure Nwajagu’s release. Ogbonnia also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate his freedom.
Nwajagu has been facing charges for allegedly threatening to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protect Igbo lives and property if the federal government failed to safeguard them during the 2023 general elections. His health has reportedly deteriorated during his detention, yet his bail request was denied by Justice Yetunde Adesanya on July 28, 2023, due to the gravity of the allegations.
In a statement, Chief Omenazu Jackson, Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Rivers and Bayelsa states, argued that Nwajagu’s actions were not malicious. He pointed out that Nwajagu was simply performing his duty as a leader to protect his people amid the rising attacks and Igbo-phobia during the 2023 elections in Lagos. Jackson called for Nwajagu’s unconditional release, highlighting the need for national reflection and progress after the elections, which had been marred by tribal divisions and attacks on the Igbo community.
The controversy surrounding the 2023 elections in Lagos, particularly the ill-treatment of Igbos and the intimidation they faced, has fueled the demand for Nwajagu’s release.
