Nigerian opposition figures and activists are demanding the release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist associated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
According to local media reports, Mr. Ojukwu was detained last Wednesday in Lagos by the police, who accused him of violating the nation’s cybercrime laws.
Sources indicate that he was subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) last Sunday. The arrest of Mr. Ojukwu is believed to be linked to an investigative piece he authored last November, which scrutinized the actions of a senior government official, as per the FIJ.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, stated that the journalist is under investigation following a petition lodged against him, although the identity of the petitioner remains undisclosed.
Public outcry has increased across social media platforms, with family members and media advocacy groups crying for Mr. Ojukwu’s immediate release. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar denounced the arrest, emphasizing the critical role journalists play in upholding transparency within the government.
International condemnation has also emerged, with Amnesty International labeling the detention as “draconian.” Nigeria’s ranking of 112th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, as reported by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), underscores ongoing concerns regarding press freedom within the nation.