NUJ Demands Immediate Release of Detained FIJ Journalist, Ojukwu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), following his remand in prison custody over alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

The union also called for the withdrawal of all charges against Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, warning security agencies against using the legal system to intimidate journalists and suppress press freedom.

In a press statement dated November 12, 2026, and signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, the NUJ expressed concern over Ojukwu’s continued detention and prosecution following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10.

According to the union, Ojukwu was remanded in prison custody until December 1, 2026, for a bail hearing over 12 counts of alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

The NUJ said the case stemmed from investigative reports published in 2023 and 2024 concerning public expenditure by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).

It recalled that Ojukwu had previously spent 10 days in police custody in May 2024 over the same investigative reports.

The union warned the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies against what it described as the recurring weaponisation of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to harass, intimidate and silence media practitioners.

It maintained that journalism is a constitutionally protected public service and not a criminal activity, stressing that using the criminal justice system to punish journalists for investigating public spending undermines democratic accountability.

The NUJ cited Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as guarantees of freedom of expression and the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable.

Reaffirming its solidarity with Ojukwu, FIJ management and Nigerian journalists, the union urged the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law, respect press freedom and ensure that journalists can discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear of arrest, detention or persecution.

The statement was signed by Alhassan Yahya, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

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