Opposition figures and activists in Nigeria are rallying for the release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist associated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
Ojukwu was apprehended last Wednesday in Lagos on allegations of violating the country’s cyber-crime laws, as reported by local media outlets. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) on Sunday.
According to FIJ, Ojukwu’s arrest is linked to an investigative piece he published last November, which implicated a senior government official.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the journalist is facing charges following a petition filed against him, although the identity of the petitioner remains undisclosed.
The prolonged detention of Ojukwu has sparked widespread outcry on social media, with calls from his family and media advocacy groups for his immediate and unconditional release.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar criticized the arrest, emphasizing the importance of upholding press freedom and condemning the government’s actions.
Amnesty International has also condemned Ojukwu’s detention, denouncing it as excessive and oppressive.
Nigeria currently ranks 112th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, according to the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report. The country remains challenging and perilous for journalists, with numerous incidents of attacks and harassment reported during the February and March 2023 general elections.
