In Abuja, a Nigerian investigative journalist has languished in police custody for over a week without being presented in court, accused of violating the country’s cybercrime legislation, as reported by his employer. Contrary to Nigerian law mandating a court appearance within 48 hours of arrest, this prolonged detention has drawn condemnation from media advocacy organizations.
Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter associated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was reported missing on May 1, with FIJ learning of his detention by police under cybercrime charges two days later. Ojukwu’s arrest reportedly stems from a November article exposing government corruption.
Despite attempts to contact Nigerian national police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi for clarification, no response was received. However, Adejobi previously disclosed that Ojukwu’s arrest was prompted by a petition lodged against him with the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre.
Criticism has mounted against the Nigerian Police Force, with 33 civil society organizations condemning its deviation from maintaining law and order to suppressing dissent and independent journalism. The Committee to Protect Journalists has demanded Ojukwu’s immediate and unconditional release, highlighting a pattern of journalist intimidation under the cybercrime law, enacted in 2015. Critics argue that the government exploits this law to muzzle press freedom.
Nigeria’s standing in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, ranking 112th out of 180 countries, underscores ongoing concerns regarding media freedom in the nation.