NGE CONDEMNS CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST, DANIEL OJUKWU, DEMANDS HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemns the arrest, detention, arraignment and subsequent remand of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The Guild is deeply alarmed that a journalist whose professional duty is to investigate and report matters of public interest is being subjected to criminal prosecution and incarceration over reports that raised serious questions about the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

Ojukwu’s investigation reportedly exposed the alleged payment of more than ₦147 million (approximately $109,000) to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos. His findings raised questions about the existence of the projects and the capacity and track record of the company involved in the contract.

These are legitimate issues of public accountability that deserve transparent answers, not the criminalisation of the journalist who brought them to public attention.

The Guild is particularly disturbed that Ojukwu, alongside FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, is facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports. More troubling is that Ojukwu has been remanded in prison after pleading not guilty to the 12-count charge, with his bail application adjourned from November 12 until December 1.

The NGE considers the resort to arrest, prolonged detention and criminal prosecution over journalistic work, a disturbing development that raises fundamental questions about the commitment of the authorities to press freedom, freedom of expression and the constitutional right of Nigerians to receive information.

The Guild has consistently condemned the use of cybersecurity laws by the police and other security agencies to harass, indimidate and bully joyrnalists. Investigative journalism is not a crime. Asking questions about public expenditure is not cyberstalking. Demanding accountability from public officials is not defamation.

Public office holders must understand that their stewardship of public resources is subject to scrutiny. No public official, regardless of position or influence, should consider himself or herself above legitimate journalistic inquiry. The media cannot discharge its constitutional responsibility if journalists are threatened with arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for exposing alleged irregularities or asking uncomfortable questions.

While the Guild recognises that every individual has a right to seek legal redress where they believe their reputation has been injured, such rights must not be weaponised to intimidate journalists, suppress legitimate reporting or discourage investigations into the management of public resources.

The NGE is especially concerned about the chilling effect of this development on investigative journalism in Nigeria. When a journalist can be sent to prison over a report concerning alleged misuse of public funds, the message to other journalists is unmistakable ‘investigate at your peril.’ Such an atmosphere is inimical to transparency, accountability and democratic governance.

The Guild reminds the authorities that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. Section 22 further recognises the responsibility of the mass media to hold government accountable to the people.

These constitutional provisions must not remain mere declarations. They must be respected and upheld in practice.

The NGE therefore demands:

1. The immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu on bail pending the determination of the charges against him. His continued incarceration over allegations arising from his journalistic work is unacceptable.

2. An end to every form of intimidation and harassment of journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

3. The prosecution of cases involving alleged misuse of public funds through transparent and accountable processes, rather than the intimidation or criminalisation of journalists who expose matters of public interest.

4. A review of the charges against Ojukwu and Fisayo Soyombo, with due regard to the constitutional guarantees of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public interest served by investigative journalism.

5. A firm commitment by the police and other law enforcement agencies to stop abuse of cybersecurity laws and to respect media freedom and refrain from deploying criminal laws as instruments for settling disputes arising from legitimate journalistic investigations.

The Guild also calls on the judiciary to remain vigilant in protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that the judicial process is not turned into an instrument for silencing critical voices.

The Guild will not stand by while freedom of the press is eroded through intimidation, harassment and the misuse of the criminal justice system.

Signed:
Eze Anaba
President

Onuoha Ukeh
General Secretary