A leader of the Igbo community in Lagos, Eze Ndigbo Fredrick Nwajagu, has been remanded in custody for allegedly instilling fear of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Lagos residents. The Chief Magistrate Peter Nwaka of the Sabo area court in Yaba, Lagos, ordered Nwajagu to be remanded in Ikoyi custodial facility for 30 days pending legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecution.
Nwajagu, aged 67, was docked before the court on Wednesday by the police on a two-count charge of conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. According to the police prosecutor, Nwajagu and others at large committed the offences on March 26 at No. 2, Akeem Shitu Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos.
The prosecutor further alleged that Nwajagu publicly stated that he would bring IPOB to Lagos, and they would shut down the state for one month, which caused fear among Lagos residents. The alleged offences contravene Sections 168 (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
As it was a remand proceeding, the defendant did not enter a plea. The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to May 3 for mention, stating that he would await the advice of the state’s DPP, Dr Babajide Martins on how to proceed.