NGE DEMANDS RELEASE OF DETAINED FIJ JOURNALIST

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the prosecution and continued detention of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), demanding his immediate release on bail.

The Guild described his prosecution as an attack on press freedom and the constitutional right of Nigerians to access information.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE expressed concern that Ojukwu was being prosecuted over investigative reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

According to the Guild, Ojukwu’s investigation raised questions about an alleged payment of more than ₦147 million to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos.

The investigation reportedly questioned whether the projects existed and examined the capacity and track record of the company awarded the contract.

The NGE maintained that allegations involving public expenditure were legitimate matters of public interest that deserved transparent explanations rather than the criminal prosecution of the journalist who reported them.

The Guild also expressed concern that Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, were facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports.

Ojukwu was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge on November 10. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

His bail application, initially scheduled for November 12, was adjourned until December 1.

The Guild warned that the continued detention and prosecution of journalists over their professional work could discourage investigative reporting and undermine democratic accountability.

It subsequently demanded:

– The immediate release of Ojukwu on bail pending the determination of the charges.
– An end to intimidation and harassment of journalists.
– A transparent investigation into allegations involving the misuse of public funds.
– Protection of journalists’ constitutional rights and freedom to report matters of public interest.

The NGE further urged the judiciary to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure that legal processes were not used to silence critical voices.

It reiterated that public officials must remain accountable to citizens and that journalists should be allowed to investigate matters of public interest without fear of intimidation or imprisonment.