Amnesty Demands Release Of Detained FIJ Journalist

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately release investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu without conditions following a court order that placed him in prison custody for 21 days.

The human rights organisation warned that his continued detention could threaten press freedom and create fear among journalists investigating corruption and alleged misconduct by public officials.

Amnesty International made the demand in a statement shared on its X account on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The organisation expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Ojukwu’s detention, warning that legal proceedings could be used to intimidate journalists and restrict freedom of expression in the country.

Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has been involved in legal battles since December 2024 over reports concerning alleged corruption and the diversion of public funds by government officials.

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre over cyberstalking charges linked to his investigative reports about President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the order after Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge filed against him. The judge directed that he remain in custody until December 1, 2026, when his bail application is expected to be heard.

Amnesty International also recalled that officers of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly abducted the journalist in May 2024 over his professional activities.

The organisation said his prosecution and continued detention appeared to reflect a growing pattern of using the justice system against journalists who investigate alleged corruption and demand accountability from those in government.

It warned that keeping Ojukwu behind bars for another 21 days could discourage media professionals from carrying out investigative reports for fear of arrest, harassment or prosecution.

The rights group urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the legal case against the journalist follows international human rights standards, including the right to a fair hearing and proper legal procedures.

Amnesty International also called on the government to stop the alleged harassment and intimidation of another investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo.

It urged the authorities to respect Soyombo’s right to investigate and report cases of corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations without facing threats or punishment.

The organisation maintained that journalists should be allowed to question public officials and investigate activities in government without being subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions.

It further called on the Federal Government to protect the rights of Ojukwu, Soyombo and other media professionals to carry out their duties independently without fear of arbitrary arrest, detention or prosecution.

Amnesty International warned that using threats and court processes to silence investigative reporters could further weaken freedom of expression and media independence in Nigeria.

The organisation also urged the government to protect journalists, activists, human rights defenders and other citizens who investigate government activities or criticise public policies.

It cautioned against the use of criminal laws to punish people for carrying out legitimate journalistic work, insisting that exposing allegations of corruption should not be treated as a crime.