LAGOS – Following the arrest and detention by men of the Department of State Services (DSS), of the Eze Igbo Ajao, Eze Fredrick Nwajagu over a viral video he sent on social media, suggesting that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) may be called to protect Ndigbo in Lagos State from constant attacks, the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is seeking the release of the royal father.

The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, led by Chief Sunday Ossai in a press statement on Wednesday asked the Commissioner of Police, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to intervene in the case of Eze Nwajagu, and support the call for his immediate release.

The statement noted that Chief Ossai along with the chairman of chairmen of the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of Ohanaeze, Lagos State, Chief Mike Orji, having visited the Eze Nwajagu, on Monday 3^rd April, 2023 at the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos State, discovered that there was no need for further detention of the Igbo leader.

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According to the statement, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, noted that if the DSS, Police and other security personnel had searched the Eze’s Ajao Estate residence and didn’t find any incriminating evidence against him, then, he should be released.

Ossai appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to use his good offices and secure the release of the Eze for the sake of the cordial relationship that have existed between Yoruba and Igbo people for many decades, especially when the Eze has in a subsequent viral video retracted his suggestion of inviting IPOB to Lagos to defend the lives and properties of Ndigbo.

Chief Ossai acknowledged the fact that it was not only Igbo people that were attacked during the election, but that other tribes experienced the mayhem as well.

“I want to say that I condemn all forms of aggressions and counter-aggressions expressed by many people, for which Eze Igbo Ajao fell victim,” he said.

Ossai also appealed to the Commissioner of Police to consider giving Eze Nwajagu administrative bail in view of his failing health due to High Blood Pressure (HBP) and more so when the offence committed is bailable, in the interest of justice.

To forestall further occurrence, Chief Ossai, suggested to Governor Sanwo-Olu to set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to look into all issues relating to the 2023 general elections violence, with a view to bringing permanent peace in Lagos State.

The statement also noted that the counsel to Eze Igbo Ajao; Barr (Mrs) Agubuzor Nkechi, observed that her client has been in the custody of SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos for four days, that is 92 hours, which she considers infraction of the due legal procedure.

“This is unlawful and quite discriminatory against the person of my client considering his health challenges,” Agubuzor said.

She stated that mere verbal statements of dissatisfaction, vituperations and anger without any requisite action to execute the same is considered verbose speech, mere threat, aggression and inconsequential.

Agubuzor noted that the election which is now history caused many Nigerians who couldn’t control their emotions, and preference for one political party or another, to lose themselves to attack on others.

She called on the International Community to come to the aid of Eze Ajao as she suspects an attempt to keep her client indefinitely without bail.

Chief Orji, stated that Eze should be forgiven just like others who overreacted during the elections. (Daily Independent)

•Ohanaeze

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