The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) strongly condemns the remand of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and calls for his immediate release.
Ojukwu was remanded on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja following his arraignment on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation over investigative reports concerning Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a former Senior Special Assistant to the late President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs). He pleaded not guilty to all charges, but will remain in detention until December 1, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.
WSCIJ is deeply concerned that this latest development reflects a troubling pattern of arrests, detention, intimidation and harassment Ojukwu has faced from state actors in connection with his journalistic work. In May 2024, he was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team and detained for 10 days over reports concerning the same public official. He has since faced repeated police engagements.
Journalism is not a crime. The reports forming the basis of the charges examined alleged expenditure of public funds, including payments for classroom construction projects and concerns about their execution. These are legitimate matters of public interest that demand transparency and accountability, not the intimidation or victimisation of journalists.
The continued targeting of Ojukwu raises serious concerns about press freedom, journalists’ safety and the shrinking civic space for independent reporting in Nigeria. Public officials must remain open to scrutiny, and disagreements over published reports should be addressed through appropriate legal and professional channels, not actions that threaten journalists’ liberty and undermine their work.
WSCIJ reiterates that Section 22 of the Constitution mandates the media to hold government accountable to the people, while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information without interference.
The Centre, therefore, calls for the immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu, an end to the repeated harassment and intimidation he has faced, and an assurance that journalists can investigate and report matters of public interest without fear of arrest, assault or reprisal.
Nigeria cannot strengthen its democracy by intimidating journalists whose work enables citizens to question authority, demand accountability and make informed decisions. Protecting journalists is essential to protecting the public’s right to know.
WSCIJ stands in solidarity with Daniel Ojukwu, FIJ and all journalists facing intimidation for performing their professional duties.
Journalism is not a crime. Let journalists do their work without fear. Daniel Ojukwu must be released.
Motunrayo Alaka
Executive Director/CEO
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)
