Chief Emefo Etudo, the lead counsel to the Chief Fredrick Nwajagu, who was recently cleared of terrorism allegations, by a Lagos High Court, has disclaimed a lawyer, Fabian Onwughalu, who allegedly claimed to be the counsel to the freed community leader.
It would be recalled that Chief Nwajagu, who claimed to be Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Lagos State, was charged before Justice Y. A. Adesanya on terrorism and other charges sometimes in 2023.
Chief Nwajagu was however cleared, acquitted and discharged of the terrorism charges, by the judge on January 15, 2025.
During the Chief’s trial, the counsel on record were Chief Etudo and Mrs. Charity Etudo, while the prosecutor was Dr. Jude Martin’s
However, upon the release of the defendant, Barrister Fabian Onwughalu, while speaking to journalist, was alleged to have claimed to be lawyer to the defendant.
He was also alleged to have claimed to appeal the judgment.
However, in a swift reaction to Barrister Onwughalu’s claim and position on the judgment, Chief Etudo said himself and his client, Chief Nwajagu were embarrassed by the lawyer’s claim. Hence Chief Etudo and his client disclaimed Barrister Onwughalu.
Chief Etudo’s statement reads: “The attention of the Lead Counsel on Record for the defendant; in the case of The State Of Lagos vs Fredrick Nwajagu {Charge No. LD/21505C/2023}; has been drawn to the statement of Barrister Fabian Onwughalu alleging a purported plan of the defendant to appeal the judgement of the court dated 15th January 2025.
“On my behalf and on the behalf of the defendant, Chief Fredrick Nwajagu, I disclaim the said statement of Barrister Fabian Onwughalu, as the defendant did not authorize him to make the statement. He was not in court or part of the defence when that judgment was made on 15/1/25 and therefore does not understand the judgment in the first place.
I, Chief Emefo Emefo the lead counsel for the defendant is yet to study the judgment which has just been received and the defendant himself will make a statement in relation thereafter.
“We regret any damage caused Lagos State and the entire public by the said statement of Barrister Fabian Onwughalu on 16/01/25. We urge the public to discountenance the said statement in its entirety.”
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