The recent arrest of Nigerian journalist Daniel Ojukwu has ignited widespread condemnation from media watchdogs and press freedom advocates.
Ojukwu, employed by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been detained following his coverage of alleged corruption involving a former high-ranking government official.
Concerns over his well-being have escalated, with no contact from him since the beginning of May, as highlighted by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
According to statements from the CPJ, Ojukwu’s colleagues and family were informed of his arrest in Lagos and subsequent transfer to the capital city, Abuja.
He faces charges related to cybercrimes, as per the CPJ’s report. Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, emphasized the urgency of Ojukwu’s release, urging Nigerian authorities to cease the harassment and detention of journalists involved in investigative reporting on corruption.
Efforts to obtain comments from media officials representing Lagos state police and the national police were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, international rights group Amnesty International has joined the chorus of voices calling for Ojukwu’s immediate release.
The organization denounced his detention as unlawful, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists’ rights to carry out their professional duties without fear of reprisal.
In response to the outcry, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism cited a police petition alleging Ojukwu’s arrest was linked to his exposé on the alleged misappropriation of public funds by a special assistant in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranking the country among the most perilous in West Africa for media personnel.
Journalists in Nigeria often encounter surveillance, physical assaults, and arbitrary arrests, a trend that persisted during the 2023 elections, according to RSF’s findings.