Chief Emefo Etudo, lead counsel to Chief Fredrick Nwajagu, who was recently acquitted of terrorism charges by a Lagos High Court, has disclaimed a lawyer, Barrister Fabian Onwughalu, over alleged false claims of representing the freed community leader.
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Chief Nwajagu, who had been charged with terrorism and other offenses in 2023, was acquitted and discharged by Justice Y. A. Adesanya on January 15, 2025. During his trial, Chief Etudo and Mrs. Charity Etudo were the defense counsel on record, while Dr. Jude Martins served as the prosecutor.
However, following the court’s judgment, Onwughalu Esq reportedly told journalists he was the legal representative of Chief Nwajagu and that there were plans to appeal the judgment.
Reacting to these claims, Chief Etudo expressed embarrassment on behalf of himself and his client, categorically disavowing Onwughalu’s statements.
In a statement issued to the public, Chief Etudo clarified:
“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 judgment of the court dated January 15, 2025.
“On my behalf and on 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 defense when that judgment was made and, therefore, does not understand the judgment in the first place.
“As the lead counsel for the defendant, I am 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 to Lagos State and the public by the said statement of Barrister Fabian Onwughalu on January 16, 2025. We urge the public to disregard the statement in its entirety.”
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