Amnesty demands unconditional release of detained FIJ journalist Ojukwu

Daniel Ojukwu. Photo: FIJ

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, following a Federal High Court order remanding him in prison custody for 21 days.

The organisation warned that his continued detention could further undermine press freedom and create an atmosphere of fear among journalists reporting on corruption and alleged abuse of power.

Amnesty International Nigeria made the demand in a statement published on its X account on Wednesday.

“His detention raises serious concerns about the use of judicial processes to intimidate journalists and undermine the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in Nigeria,” the organisation said.

Ojukwu, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has faced legal proceedings since December 2024 following his reports on alleged corruption and the diversion of public funds involving government officials.

On Tuesday, Ojukwu was remanded by the Federal High Court in Abuja at the Kuje Correctional Centre over cyberstalking charges arising from investigative reports on President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered his remand until December 1, 2026, when the court is expected to hear his bail application, after the journalist pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge.https://punchng.com/court-remands-fij-journalist-over-reports-on-tinubus-aide/

The rights organisation recalled that officers of the Nigeria Police Force abducted him in May 2024 in connection with his journalistic work.

It expressed concern that his prosecution and continued detention reflected what it described as a broader pattern of using the criminal justice system to punish journalists for investigating alleged wrongdoing and demanding accountability from public officials.

“The continued prosecution and detention of Ojukwu appear to be part of a broader pattern of using the criminal justice system to punish journalists for exposing allegations of corruption and holding public officials accountable,” it said.

Amnesty International added that the latest remand order could discourage journalists from carrying out investigative assignments.

“Detaining him for a further 21 days risks reinforcing a climate of fear and intimidation among journalists and media professionals,” the statement added.

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The organisation urged the authorities to ensure that any legal proceedings against Ojukwu complied with international human rights standards, particularly the right to a fair trial and guarantees of due process.

It also called on the government to end what it described as the harassment and intimidation of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.

“The Nigerian authorities must also immediately end all forms of harassment, intimidation and targeting of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo,” it said.

The organisation urged the authorities to respect Soyombo’s right to investigate and report corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations without fear of retaliation.

It maintained that journalists should not face threats or punitive measures for scrutinising those in positions of authority.

“No journalist should be subjected to threats, intimidation or punitive measures for holding those in positions of power accountable,” Amnesty International said.

The rights group further called on the government to guarantee that journalists, including Ojukwu and Soyombo, could work freely and independently without fear of arbitrary arrest, detention or prosecution.

It warned that attempts to silence investigative reporters through intimidation or the misuse of judicial processes posed a serious threat to freedom of expression and media freedom in Nigeria.

Amnesty International also urged the government to protect the rights of journalists and citizens to investigate, report on and criticise public officials and government policies without fear of reprisals.

It cautioned against using criminal laws and judicial processes to intimidate, harass, punish or silence journalists, activists, human rights defenders and other government critics.

“Authorities must refrain from weaponising criminal laws and judicial processes to intimidate, harass, punish or silence journalists, activists, human rights defenders and other government critics. Journalism is not a crime, and exposing allegations of corruption must never be treated as an offence,” the organisation said.