Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, following a Federal High Court order on Tuesday remanding him for 21 days over cyberstalking charges. In a statement published on its X account on Wednesday, the organisation warned that his detention could discourage journalists from investigating corruption and alleged abuses of power.
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Court Orders 21-Day Remand
Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, faces a 12-count charge linked to reports on alleged corruption involving government officials, including President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty. His bail application is expected to be heard on December 1, 2026.
Reacting, Amnesty said his detention raises concerns about the use of judicial processes to intimidate journalists.
“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 stated.
The organisation also called on the government to end the alleged harassment and intimidation of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, insisting that journalists must be allowed to report corruption and human rights violations without fear of retaliation.
It further urged authorities to respect Ojukwu’s right to a fair trial and stop using criminal laws to silence journalists and government critics.
“Journalism is not a crime, and exposing allegations of corruption must never be treated as an offence,” Amnesty International said.
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