Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State High Court yesterday threw out the bail application of Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, who is being prosecuted over alleged terrorism.
Recall that the diaspora Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate was arrested on Aril 1, 2023 for threatening to invite the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) fighters to Lagos to protect the properties of the south easterners living in the state.
Speaking in a viral video, the suspect was heard saying Igbo indigenes in Lagos must recruit members of IPOB for the safety of their properties.
“IPOB, we will invite them. They have no job. All of the IPOB will protect all of our shops. And we have to pay them. We have to mobilise for that. We have to do that.
“We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us at midnight, in the morning, and in the afternoon. When they discover that we have our security before they come, they will know that we have our men there.
“I am not saying a single word to be hidden. I am not hiding my words; let my words go viral. Igbo must get their rights and get standing in Lagos state,” he said.
The vacation judge held that the court was constrained to refuse the bail application, based on the seriousness of the offence and the severity of its punishment.
Nwajagu is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on an attempt to commit acts of terrorism, financing terrorism, participating in terrorism, and meeting to support a proscribed entity.
The defendant had on July 25, 2023, applied for bail, citing his medical reports, adding that he was not a flight risk.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Friday, the court declined the defendant’s bail application and ordered an accelerated hearing.
“Based on the seriousness of the offence, the severity of the punishment, and the proof of evidence before the court, the court is constrained to refuse the bail application.
“The application for an accelerated hearing is hereby granted,” Adesanya said.
The judge, however, directed the correctional facility officials to make arrangements for the defendant to visit a government hospital for his treatment.
She adjourned the hearing till October 3, 2023.
With Punch report
