The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), following his detention over reports on government spending.
The union also demanded the withdrawal of criminal charges against Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, describing the prosecution as a threat to press freedom and accountability.
Ojukwu was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 10, 2026, on 12 counts bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
The court subsequently ordered his remand in prison custody until December 1, when his bail application is expected to be considered.
The charges reportedly relate to investigative reports published in 2023 and 2024 concerning the expenditure of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahaya, the NUJ expressed concern over the journalist’s continued detention, arguing that reporting on the management of public funds should not attract criminal punishment.
The union warned that using cybercrime and defamation laws against journalists could discourage investigative reporting and weaken democratic accountability.
It also recalled that Ojukwu was detained for 10 days by police operatives in May 2024 over the same investigative work.
The NUJ maintained that the Nigerian Constitution protects press freedom and the media’s responsibility to hold public officials accountable.
It cited Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, alongside provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as guarantees of these rights.
Yahaya warned that keeping journalists in custody for extended periods before trial could create fear within the media industry and discourage reports on issues of public interest.
The union urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the judiciary and the Federal Government to respect constitutional protections and ensure journalists can carry out their professional duties without intimidation or persecution.
It also reaffirmed its support for Ojukwu, Soyombo and other journalists engaged in investigative reporting.
