Nigerian authorities have been urged to immediately and unconditionally release investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, following a Federal High Court order remanding him in prison custody for 21 days in Abuja.
The call has raised fresh concerns over press freedom, freedom of expression and the alleged use of judicial processes to intimidate journalists in the country.
Ojukwu, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has faced legal proceedings since December 2024 following reports exposing alleged corruption and diversion of public funds involving government officials.
He was also reportedly abducted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in May 2024 in connection with his journalistic activities.
The continued prosecution and detention of the journalist have been described as part of a disturbing pattern in which the criminal justice system is allegedly deployed to punish journalists for investigating corruption and holding public officials accountable.
The latest 21-day remand order, according to the rights advocates, could further deepen fear and intimidation within Nigeria’s media industry, particularly among investigative journalists.
The authorities were consequently urged to drop all charges against Ojukwu if they relate solely to his legitimate journalistic activities, while ensuring that any legal proceedings comply with international human rights standards, including fair trial guarantees and due process.
The government was also called upon to immediately end all alleged forms of harassment, intimidation and targeting of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, and guarantee his right to investigate and report on corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations without fear of reprisals.
The advocates stressed that journalists should not be subjected to threats, arbitrary arrest, detention or punitive measures for scrutinising the activities of public officials.
They further urged the Federal Government to protect the independence of the media and ensure that journalists, including Ojukwu and Soyombo, can carry out their professional responsibilities without interference or intimidation.
They maintained that weaponising criminal laws and judicial processes against journalists, activists, human rights defenders and other government critics poses a serious threat to democracy and the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The government was therefore urged to respect, protect and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and press freedom, including the right of journalists and citizens to investigate, report and criticise public officials and government policies without fear of reprisals.
The advocates emphasised that journalism is not a crime and that exposing allegations of corruption should never be treated as an offence.
