In a recent development that has raised concerns among media and civil society groups, journalist Daniel Ojukwu, affiliated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been arrested and detained by the Nigerian Police. The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) issued a statement condemning his arrest, citing it as a violation of press freedom and democratic principles.
According to reports from the FIJ, Ojukwu was apprehended by police officers on Wednesday, May 1, under allegations of violating the 2015 Cybercrime Act. His family was unaware of his whereabouts until May 3, when they discovered he was being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, in Lagos.
In response to inquiries, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed Ojukwu’s arrest by the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) of the Nigerian Police. He remains detained at the Lagos State Police Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
The CWPPF strongly condemns Ojukwu’s arrest and continued detention, emphasising that such actions undermine fundamental human rights and press freedom. They call upon the Nigerian police to release Ojukwu immediately and ensure that legal procedures are followed in addressing the allegations against him.
Furthermore, the CWPPF urges the Inspector General of Police to prevent the misuse of the Cybercrime Act 2015 to target journalists and media workers. Past instances have demonstrated how this legislation has been used to suppress investigative journalism, leading to harassment and arbitrary detention.
The CWPPF, comprised of various media and civil society organizations including Premium Times, The Cable, Daily Trust Newspaper, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), advocates for the protection of whistleblowers, freedom of expression, and press freedom.
The arrest of Daniel Ojukwu serves as a reminder of the critical role journalism plays in upholding democracy, and any attempt to suppress it threatens the foundations of a transparent and accountable society.
For further information, contact:
Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF)
International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria