Daniel Ojukwu: Seventeen media and civil society organisations have demanded the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu following his remand at Kuje Correctional Centre over reports on public expenditure
Seventeen media and civil society organisations have demanded the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, condemning his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over reports questioning public expenditure by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was remanded by the Federal High Court following his arraignment on a 12-count charge linked to investigative reports published in 2023 and 2024.
In a joint statement, the organisations described the development as a threat to press freedom and democratic accountability, insisting: “We demand his immediate release and an end to the criminalisation of investigative journalism.”
The coalition expressed concern that Ojukwu would remain in custody until December 1, 2026, when his bail application is scheduled for hearing, despite his plea of not guilty and his lawyer’s submission that he had complied with the conditions of his previous administrative bail.
The reports at the centre of the prosecution questioned payments of ₦147.1 million and ₦47.5 million for classroom construction projects, as well as the functionality of solar installations reportedly completed under the projects.
Defending the importance of such investigations, the organisations maintained that public expenditure is a legitimate subject of media scrutiny, stressing that “these are legitimate matters of public interest that demand transparency and accountability.”
They further recalled that Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution places a responsibility on the press, radio, television and other mass media to uphold the accountability of government to the people.
The groups also recalled that Ojukwu was arrested and detained for 10 days in May 2024 over the same reporting, raising concerns about what they described as a recurring pattern of harassment.
According to the coalition, the implications of the journalist’s continued detention extend beyond Ojukwu and FIJ, warning that “every journalist, newsroom, whistleblower, civil society organisation and citizen engaged in demanding accountability is placed at risk.”
Citing Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the organisations maintained that journalists must be able to perform their professional responsibilities without intimidation, arbitrary detention or reprisals.
They argued that where public officials consider an investigative report inaccurate or defamatory, legitimate legal remedies should be pursued without turning the criminal justice system into an instrument for suppressing public-interest journalism.
The coalition consequently called for Ojukwu’s immediate release and bail, an end to the use of criminal prosecution and cybercrime provisions to intimidate journalists, and stronger protection against harassment and arbitrary arrests.
It also urged the government to address the financial accountability questions raised in the FIJ investigations through the disclosure of relevant records, independent scrutiny and appropriate accountability mechanisms.
The organisations warned that a society where journalists are afraid to investigate public institutions risks creating an environment in which corruption, abuse of power and impunity can thrive unchecked.
They concluded that “press freedom is not a privilege granted at the discretion of public officials but a fundamental democratic guarantee,” insisting that journalists must be free to investigate public institutions, question the management of public resources and report matters of public interest without fear of imprisonment or reprisals.
According to the release sighted by this publication, the statement was endorsed by 17 organisations, including BudgIT, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Enough is Enough Nigeria, International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Accountability Lab Nigeria and WikkiTimes.
Tags
Daniel Ojukwu, FIJ, Press Freedom, Investigative Journalism, Media Rights, Nigeria, Civil Society Organisations, Public Accountability
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National News
Suggested image caption: Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, whose remand has drawn condemnation from 17 media and civil society organisations.
Suggested ALT text: Daniel Ojukwu – 17 groups demand immediate release of detained Nigerian investigative journalist.
Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, whose remand has drawn condemnation from 17 media and civil society organisations.
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