Media, civil society organisations demand immediate release of investigative journalist, Daniel Ojukwu
Journalist’s Detention Draws Nationwide Concern Over Press Freedom
Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with an investigative background, has been remanded in custody following a court ruling linked to a report he authored. The Federal High Court’s decision to hold Ojukwu until December 1, 2026, pending a hearing on his bail application, has prompted a united response from various media organizations and civil society groups, who see the ruling as a significant threat to press freedom.
In a joint statement released by organizations including Accountability Lab Nigeria, BudgIT, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, signatories condemned the court’s actions. They noted that Ojukwu had pleaded not guilty to all charges and that his legal counsel asserted he had complied with the terms of his previously granted administrative bail. Despite these claims, the court chose to deny his request for continued bail, prompting concerns over the growing use of criminal prosecution against journalists engaged in public accountability.
The statement highlighted that the investigative report in question raised critical issues regarding public spending, specifically payments totaling N147.1 million and N47.5 million for classroom construction projects, along with questions about the effectiveness of solar power installations completed under the initiatives. The groups emphasized that these matters are of legitimate public interest, necessitating transparency and accountability from officials entrusted with public resources.
“The Constitution mandates that public officials must be open to scrutiny,” the statement read. It also underscored that the press serves to uphold government accountability, as stipulated in Sections 22 and 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution. The groups argue that the appropriate response to investigative journalism should not involve intimidation or legal threats, arguing for legitimate legal channels to address any perceived inaccuracies in reporting.
The statement further expressed alarm that this is not the first incident involving Ojukwu, referencing a previous detention in May 2024 connected to similar reporting. They asserted that the current charges represent a wider pattern of harassment that could threaten press freedom.
Critics suggest that the implications of Ojukwu’s case extend beyond the individual, placing all journalists, civil society activists, and citizens at risk when investigating public financial management. “A society in which journalists fear reprisals for examining public institutions is one that may harbor unchecked corruption and abuse of power,” the statement cautioned.
In response to ongoing concerns about press rights, the groups called for immediate action from the government, urging authorities to release Ojukwu and facilitate his bail. They demanded an end to the criminal prosecution of journalists conducting legitimate investigative reporting, particularly on issues of public expenditure and corruption.
The coalition highlighted the necessity for authorities to ensure the safety of journalists, protect them from harassment, and provide transparency in public financial matters.
The groups reiterated that press freedom is not a discretionary privilege but a fundamental right within a democratic society. They emphasized that the Nigerian government must uphold its obligations under both national and international law to safeguard journalists’ rights to investigate and report on matters of public interest without fear of repression.
They concluded by calling for the cessation of practices that criminalize investigative journalism and insisted on the necessity of transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
