Court Remands Journalist Ojukwu on Cybercrime Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), at the Kuje Correctional Facility until a December 1 bail hearing.

Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge of cybercrime and criminal defamation brought by the Inspector-General of Police.

The charges stem from investigative reports published between late 2023 and early 2024.

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Ojukwu scrutinised public spending by Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the former presidential aide on sustainable development goals, uncovering a disputed 147 million naira ($109,000) contract paid to an Abuja restaurant for school construction projects in Lagos that lacked evidence of execution.

FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo faces identical charges but was absent from court proceedings.

Civil society organisations and press freedom advocates, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), strongly condemn the detention.

Critics argue that authorities are weaponising Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act to intimidate reporters and suppress critical independent journalism as upcoming elections approach.

Author

Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.