CivicHive expresses deep concern over the continued persecution and unlawful detention of GovSpend Media fellow Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who is currently remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
On Tuesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Mr. Ojukwu remanded in prison until December 1, 2026, following a 12-count cyberstalking charge brought against him and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo by the Nigeria Police Force. Mr. Ojukwu’s ordeal stems from his 2023 investigative reporting on the alleged mismanagement of over ₦147 million in public funds meant for classroom construction in Lagos.
CivicHive maintains that investigative journalism aimed at demanding accountability from public officials is at the heart of democracy, and not a crime. Asking questions about how taxpayer funds are spent should never be treated as an offence.
It is deeply troubling that in this day and age, laws enacted to curb crime and protect citizens are routinely weaponised to intimidate, silence, and oppress the very people and watchdogs who bear the brunt of governance failures. Since the enactment of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act in 2015, dozens of journalists have faced prosecution under its provisions, contributing to Nigeria’s worrying 112th ranking out of 180 countries on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
Disturbingly, this 21-day remand is not the first time Mr. Ojukwu has been deprived of his liberty over this exact report. In May 2024, he was abducted by police operatives, held incommunicado, and detained for 10 days during which his passport was seized before public outcry forced his release. Subjecting him to repeated arrest, detention, and criminal prosecution after he voluntarily honoured a police invitation is an abuse of state power.
CivicHive calls on the Nigerian judiciary, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, and relevant authorities to drop these trumped-up charges and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Daniel Ojukwu.
We urge civil society organisations, media practitioners, and members of the public to speak up, amplify this call, and stand in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Ojukwu and the Foundation for Investigative Journalism.
Free Daniel Ojukwu. Journalism is not a crime.
Sincerely,
Arafat Oseni
Programs & Communications Associate,
Civic Hive