Trial of Eze Ndigbo on terrorism charges stalled over counsel’s absence
The progression of the trial involving Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos, Frederick Nwajagu, accused of terrorism offenses, faced a delay on Tuesday due to the absence of his legal representative.
Nwajagu is facing trial at a Lagos High Court on nine charges related to terrorism activities.
During the court session, the Director for Public Prosecutions informed the court that Nwajagu’s counsel was unavailable due to another case in Ikeja.
Despite a representative from the same firm being present and indicating that the lead counsel was handling the necessary court processes, the court adjourned the case until May 9 for the adoption of written addresses.
In a previous hearing, Nwajagu claimed ignorance of laws prohibiting mention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), clarifying that he referred to himself as a leader rather than a king.
He also disputed the authenticity of a video presented in court, stating it was edited and his remarks were meant to pacify the Igbo community.
On July 25, 2023, the defendant applied for bail, citing his medical reports and adding that he was not a flight risk.
On July 28, 2023, the court refused the bail application based on the seriousness of the offence and the severity of the punishment.
In a suit marked no: LD/21505C/2023, the Lagos State government alleged that the defendant’s acts contravened section 403(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The state stated that the offences contravened sections 12(a) (c), 18, 21 and 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Nwajagu was arrested by the operatives of the State Security Service over an alleged threat to invite members of IPOB to Lagos to secure the properties of the Igbo people in the state.