Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the federal authorities to urgently and unconditionally release investigative reporter Daniel Ojukwu following a Federal High Court ruling that ordered him to be remanded in prison custody for 21 days.
The human rights organisation made the demand in a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, expressing concern that Ojukwu’s detention could amount to an attempt to intimidate journalists and undermine freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.
It said the journalist, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), had faced legal proceedings since December 2024 following reports on alleged corruption and diversion of public funds involving Nigerian government officials.
Amnesty recalled that Ojukwu was abducted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in May 2024 in connection with his journalistic work.
“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,” the organisation stated.
It warned that his continued detention for another 21 days could deepen fear and intimidation among journalists and other media professionals.
“Detaining him for a further 21 days risks reinforcing a climate of fear and intimidation among journalists and media professionals,” it said.
The organisation urged the authorities to ensure that any legal proceedings against Ojukwu fully comply with international human rights standards, including the right to a fair trial and guarantees of due process.
Amnesty International Nigeria also called on the government to end what it described as harassment, intimidation and targeting of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.
It urged the authorities to respect Soyombo’s right to carry out legitimate journalistic activities, including investigating and exposing corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations, without fear of reprisals.
“No journalist should be subjected to threats, intimidation or punitive measures for holding those in positions of power accountable,” it said.
The organisation further demanded that journalists, including Ojukwu and Soyombo, be allowed to work freely and independently without interference or fear of arbitrary arrest, detention or prosecution.
It described attempts to silence investigative journalists through intimidation or the misuse of judicial processes as a serious threat to freedom of expression and media freedom in Nigeria.
Amnesty also called on the Nigerian government to respect, protect and fulfil the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, including the right of journalists and citizens to investigate, report on and criticise public officials and government policies without fear of reprisals.
It cautioned against the use of 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 added.
What You Should Know
Amnesty International is raising major alarms over the continued detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who works with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism. He was sent to prison for 21 days following legal proceedings linked to his reports exposing alleged corruption and public fund diversion by government officials. Human rights advocates warn that this ongoing legal battle poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
- Positive Impact: Heightened advocacy from international and local human rights groups helps protect whistleblowers and journalists who risk their safety to expose corruption.
- Potential Concerns: The continued targeting and detention of media professionals creates widespread fear, potentially silencing independent investigations into public sector misconduct.
