Human rights activist, Ikechukwu Nwanguma, has called on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to rally round to see that Frederick Nwajagu, an Igbo indigene residing in Lagos, is released from prison custody.
Nwanguma, who made the plea in a statement to the media, pointed out that Nwajagu has been in detention since April 2023 for merely saying that he would invite the pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to deal with hoodlums that were vandalising and terrorising Igbo businesses and property in Lagos at the time.
The activist lamented that whereas others had made similar threats in Nigeria, they were not detained and wondered Nwajagu should be unjustly incarcerated, and urged Ohanaeze to galvanize action to effect his release.
He posited that Nwajagu was merely reacting to threats on Ndigbo and should not be allowed to languish in detention.
“I hereby call upon Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the socio-cultural and political organization dedicated to representing and advancing the interests of the Igbo people in Nigeria, to take immediate action regarding the continued unjust detention of Frederick Nwajagu.
“Mr. Nwajagu has now spent nearly two years in prison following his arrest in April 2023 for threatening to invite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protect Igbo businesses and properties amidst growing threats and attacks from certain ethnic bigots in Lagos.
“It is deeply concerning that those who made the initial threats which Mr. Nwajagu responded to have not faced legal consequences, while he has been left to languish in prison. This situation highlights what appears to be a discriminatory application of the law driven by ethnic bias.
“I urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to intervene on behalf of Mr. Nwajagu, advocating for the Lagos State Government to drop all charges against him. It is imperative that we stand for justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.
“I believe that the voice of Ohanaeze can be a powerful instrument in ensuring fairness and representation for all members of the Igbo community,” Nwanguma said.
Biafra: Activist urges Ohanaeze to intercede for detained Fred Nwajagu
