Nigerian Guild of Editors Demand Release of Detained Journalist Daniel Ojukwu

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded the immediate release on bail of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who is being detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Ojukwu is facing a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation. The Guild also called for a review of the criminal charges against Ojukwu and the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo.

The demand was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh. The editors expressed concern that Ojukwu was facing criminal prosecution over investigative reports that questioned the management and expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

One of the reports examined an alleged payment of more than ₦147 million to Enseno Global Ventures Limited for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos State. The investigation raised questions about the execution of the project, the existence of the facilities and the capacity of the company awarded the contract.

Ojukwu was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 10, where he pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre after declining to hear his bail application immediately. The court adjourned the bail proceedings until December 1, 2026, leaving the journalist in custody pending the hearing.

The prosecution also named Soyombo as a co-defendant in the case, although he was absent during the proceedings. The court declined the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant against him, noting that he had not previously been brought before it. The NGE expressed particular concern about the continued detention of Ojukwu while awaiting the determination of his bail application.

The Guild recalled previous concerns about the use of cybersecurity legislation by security agencies to arrest, intimidate and prosecute journalists over their professional activities. It maintained that public officials must remain open to scrutiny, particularly regarding the management of public resources, and that journalists should not face intimidation or imprisonment for investigating matters of public interest.

The Guild called for Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail, an end to the intimidation and harassment of journalists and a review of the charges against him and Soyombo in line with constitutional guarantees of press freedom.

Key points

• The Nigerian Guild of Editors demands the immediate release of journalist Daniel Ojukwu, detained over investigative reports questioning public fund management.
• Ojukwu faces a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
• The Guild warns that the prosecution could undermine press freedom and discourage investigative journalism in Nigeria.