Ohanaeze Ndigbo Called to Act on Prolonged Detention of Man Who Threatened IPOB Presence in Lagos

The prominent Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has been called upon to intervene in the ongoing detention of Frederick Nwajagu, a man who has now been incarcerated for almost two years. Human rights activist Okechukwu Nwanguma has raised concerns over what he considers an unfair and discriminatory detention, highlighting that those who initially provoked Nwajagu’s comments remain unpunished while he continues to languish in prison.

Frederick Nwajagu’s troubles began after he made a statement in response to threats issued by some Lagos youths against the Igbo community living in Lagos. Nwajagu, expressing concern for the safety of the Igbo people, suggested that he might be compelled to bring the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Lagos to protect them. This comment led to his arrest in April 2023, and he has since remained in detention without trial.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement issued through a press release that was made available to journalists, condemned the prolonged detention of Nwajagu and called it a clear case of injustice. He stressed that while Nwajagu has been incarcerated for nearly two years, the individuals who made the initial threats against the Igbo community in Lagos have not been arrested or prosecuted, raising questions about the fairness of the legal system and its application.

“It is deeply troubling and unjust that Frederick Nwajagu continues to face this harsh punishment, especially when those who threatened the lives and security of the Igbo people in Lagos have not faced any legal consequences for their actions,” Nwanguma remarked. “This unequal treatment underscores what appears to be a pattern of ethnic bias in the way the law is being applied, where one community is held accountable for their actions while another is seemingly allowed to go unchecked.”

Nwanguma called for immediate intervention from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, urging the group to advocate for Nwajagu’s release. He emphasized that it was crucial for the organization to step in and ensure that Nwajagu’s case does not go unnoticed. According to Nwanguma, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s involvement could play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice is served and that the Igbo people are not subjected to discriminatory legal practices.

“I urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to take swift and decisive action on behalf of Frederick Nwajagu,” Nwanguma continued. “As the representative body of the Igbo community, Ohanaeze has the authority and the responsibility to stand up for justice in this case. Nwajagu’s continued detention is not only a violation of his rights but also a reminder of the dangers of ethnic bias in the justice system.”

The human rights activist also pointed out the need for fairness and equal treatment under the law, stressing that every citizen, regardless of their ethnic background, deserves to be treated justly and without prejudice. Nwanguma’s appeal to Ohanaeze Ndigbo is based on the belief that the organization can use its influence and platform to bring attention to the case, and to ensure that the Lagos State Government takes the necessary steps to drop all charges against Nwajagu and release him from detention

“It is imperative that the law is applied equally to all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity, and that justice is not delayed or denied based on political or ethnic considerations,” Nwanguma added. “I have faith that Ohanaeze Ndigbo can use its powerful voice to bring attention to this matter and ensure that Nwajagu is not left to suffer in prison for simply responding to threats against his community.”

Nwanguma concluded by stressing the importance of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s intervention, urging the organization to act as a defender of Igbo rights and to push for a resolution that would uphold the dignity and equality of all citizens. He called for unity within the Igbo community to support Nwajagu and to send a strong message that such injustices will not be tolerated.

“The actions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo can make a meaningful difference in securing the release of Frederick Nwajagu,” Nwanguma said. “This case is bigger than just one individual—it is about upholding the principles of justice, equality, and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic group. I urge the leadership of Ohanaeze to act without delay and bring this matter to a just and fair conclusion.”