Nigerian Court Remands Investigative Journalist Daniel Ojukwu on Cybercrime Charges

CPJ demands immediate release of Ojukwu and dismissal of charges, warning that the prosecution of journalists threatens press freedom ahead of Nigeria’s elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria — A federal court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has remanded investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu to the Kuje Custodial Centre until December 1 over 12 counts of cybercrime and criminal defamation, prompting the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to demand his immediate and unconditional release.

Ojukwu, a correspondent with the privately owned Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was remanded on November 10 after appearing before the court. He pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges, according to a copy of the charge sheet reviewed by CPJ.

The journalist traveled from Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria to attend the hearing.

The CPJ has called on Nigerian authorities to drop the charges against Ojukwu and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo, who is also facing the same allegations, and to stop using criminal laws to punish journalists for their reporting.

Soyombo was absent from the November 10 hearing but is expected to appear at the next sitting, according to FIJ lawyers Oluseye Ayo Moore and Abimbola Ojenike, who spoke with CPJ.

“Nigerian authorities must swiftly drop the criminal charges against journalist Daniel Ojukwu and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo, and repeal laws that criminalize journalism,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa Director.

She warned that Nigeria’s cybercrime and criminal defamation laws have repeatedly been used against journalists, raising concerns about the impact of such prosecutions on press freedom.

“With elections approaching, authorities must not ignore the damaging impact of these charges on press freedom and journalists’ ability to report freely and without fear,” Quintal added.

Charges Linked to Investigative Reports

The charges stem from four related investigations published by FIJ between late 2023 and early 2024. The reports examined alleged irregularities involving government contracts awarded through the office of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Nigerian government’s Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals.

According to FIJ’s lawyers, the case is also connected to Ojukwu’s arrest and 10-day detention in 2024.

The defense has filed a bail application, but the court adjourned the matter until December 1 to allow prosecutors time to respond, lawyer Oluseye Ayo Moore told CPJ.

Journalists Face Multiple Charges

Ojukwu and Soyombo are charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and Criminal Code Act.

The charges include Sections 27(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, which carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine of 25 million naira (approximately US$18,570) under the cited provisions.

They also face charges under Sections 517 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, each carrying a maximum prison sentence of two years.

CPJ said its calls and messages to Orelope-Adefulire seeking comments on the case went unanswered.

However, her lawyer, Muiz Banire, defended the charges, arguing that journalists must practice responsible journalism.

“Let them show you that what they published about my client is correct,” Banire said.

The case has renewed concerns about the use of criminal defamation and cybercrime laws against journalists in Nigeria, particularly when reporting involves allegations against public officials.

CPJ is urging Nigerian authorities to drop the charges and ensure journalists can carry out investigative reporting without fear of criminal prosecution.