The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the arrest, detention, and prosecution of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who works for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Ojukwu was arraigned and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals. The NGE described his prosecution as an attack on press freedom.
Ojukwu's investigation reportedly exposed the alleged payment of more than ₦147 million to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos. The findings raised questions about the existence of the projects and the capacity of the company awarded the contract. The Guild said the issues raised by the investigation were legitimate matters of public accountability that deserved transparent answers.
The NGE expressed concern that Ojukwu and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo were facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports. The Guild's President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, said they were deeply alarmed that a journalist was being subjected to criminal prosecution and incarceration over reports questioning public fund expenditure. They emphasized that investigative journalism is not a crime and that asking questions about public expenditure is not cyberstalking.
The Guild described the arrest, detention, and prosecution of journalists over their professional work as a disturbing development that raised questions about the authorities' commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression. The NGE has consistently condemned the use of cybersecurity laws by the police and other security agencies to harass, intimidate, and bully journalists. Ojukwu had been remanded in prison after pleading not guilty to a 12-count charge, while his bail application was adjourned from November 12 to December 1.
The NGE warned that Ojukwu's prosecution could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism in the country, discouraging reporters from investigating matters of public interest. The Guild maintained that public office holders must understand that their stewardship of public resources was subject to scrutiny and that no official should consider themselves above legitimate journalistic investigation. The media cannot discharge its constitutional responsibility if journalists are threatened with arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment for exposing alleged irregularities.
The NGE cited Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information without interference. The Guild insisted that these constitutional provisions must be respected and upheld in practice. The NGE demanded Ojukwu's immediate release on bail pending the determination of the charges against him, describing his continued incarceration as unacceptable.
The Guild called for an end to all forms of intimidation and harassment of journalists and urged authorities to address allegations of misuse of public funds through transparent and accountable processes. The NGE also demanded a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, taking into account constitutional guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression.
Key points
- The Nigerian Guild of Editors demands the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu.
- Ojukwu's prosecution raises concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
- The Guild warns that the prosecution could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism in the country.
