A coalition of civil society groups and human rights activists staged a protest outside the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, May 9, demanding the immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
Ojukwu has been arrested and detained since May 1, 2024, following a petition alleging cybersecurity violations.
Transferred from Lagos to Abuja on May 5, Ojukwu is being held under the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) based on a petition from Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a former Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The protesters, led by a coalition of civil society groups under the Action Group for the Protection of Civic Actors, expressed grave concerns about press freedom and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
Some human rights activists who joined the protest were Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju.
While speaking on behalf of the coalition, Bukky Shonibare, who is a human rights lawyer and chairman of FIJ’s board of trustees, highlighted that freedom of the press and public participation are cornerstones of democracy.
“The recent abduction and continued detention of Daniel Ojukwu exemplify a disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles,” Shonibare said.
The coalition condemned the detention of Ojukwu, noting that no formal charges had been filed against him. They called the journalist’s detention unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral, pointing out that it contravenes Sections 34, 35, and 41 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which protects individual rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.
Addressing the protesters, Omoyele Sowore criticised the Nigerian police for their impunity and disregard for democratic principles. He urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to release Ojukwu immediately or face a nationwide mass action.
The protest was joined by a wide array of civic society groups, including Enough is Enough Nigeria, Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGOs), Invictus Africa, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Global Rights, among others.
These organisations are demanding accountability and transparency from Nigerian law enforcement agencies and are threatening to continue their protests until Ojukwu is released.
Meanwhile, the FCT commissioner of police, Bennett Igweh, said that “the fact that someone is a journalist doesn’t excuse them when they commit an offence. If you are a journalist and you commit a strong offence, we will arrest you and prosecute you.”
Speaking on when Daniel will be released, he said, “We have looked into the matter. There is no need for this protest. The Force management has taken a lot of things into consideration to have him released.”
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