'Double standard' – rep-elect calls for release of chief who threatened to 'bring IPOB to Lagos'

‘Double standard’ – rep-elect calls for release of chief who threatened to ‘bring IPOB to Lagos’

April 01

16:02 2023

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Ikenga Ugochinyere, house of representatives member-elect, says security agencies should release Fredrick Nwajagu, the Eze of Ajao estate in Lagos.

In a video clip that has since gone viral, Nwajagu could be heard saying Igbo indigenes in Lagos must recruit members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (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,” he had said in the clip.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson of Lagos police command, confirmed that Nwajagu had been arrested but did not give details on the security agency that apprehended the chief.

Hundeyin said details of the arrest would soon be released.

In a statement on Saturday, Ugochinyere, spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), recalled comments credited to Musiliu Akinsanya, chairman of the Lagos parks and garages, who issued a threat against citizens who would not vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the elections.

Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, would later say he was “joking”.

The member-elect said the security agencies should not be seen as partisan. Therefore, Nwajagu should be released.

Ugochinyere said: “Are the security agencies now engaging in preferential treatment? Are the DSS and police agencies for the protection of lives and properties of the people of Nigeria or are they only serving the interest of the ruling government?”

“Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, threatened that Igbos who will not vote for the APC in the governorship election to stay at home.

“Consequently, in the aftermath of the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, Ndigbo in Lagos have had their shops vandalized and burnt down with the authorities in Lagos looking the other way. But the same authorities are quick to arrest Fredrick Nwajagu.”

Meanwhile, in the 2023 global terrorism index (GTI) ranking, which was released on March 15, IPOB was ranked as the 10th deadliest terror group in the world.