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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the arrest, detention, arraignment and remand of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, describing his prosecution as an attack on press freedom.
In a press statement made available to the Daily Sun on Sunday, the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, said they were deeply alarmed that a journalist was being subjected to criminal prosecution and incarceration over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
Ojukwu’s investigation reportedly exposed the 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 findings raised questions about the existence of the projects, as well as the capacity and track record of the company awarded the contract.
The Guild said the issues raised by the investigation were legitimate matters of public accountability that deserved transparent answers, rather than the criminalisation of the journalist who brought them to public attention.
It expressed particular concern that Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, were facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports.
The NGE said it was more troubling that Ojukwu had been remanded in prison after pleading not guilty to a 12-count charge, while his bail application was adjourned from November 12 to December 1.
The Guild described the arrest, detention and prosecution of journalists over their professional work as a disturbing development that raised questions about the authorities’ commitment to press freedom, freedom of expression and the constitutional right of Nigerians to receive information.
It said it had consistently condemned the use of cybersecurity laws by the police and other security agencies to harass, intimidate and bully journalists.
“Investigative journalism is not a crime. Asking questions about public expenditure is not cyberstalking. Demanding accountability from public officials is not defamation,” the statement said.
The NGE maintained that public office holders must understand that their stewardship of public resources was subject to scrutiny, adding that no official, regardless of position or influence, should consider themselves above legitimate journalistic investigation.
It warned that the media could not discharge its constitutional responsibility if journalists were threatened with arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for exposing alleged irregularities or asking uncomfortable questions.
While acknowledging the right of individuals to seek legal redress when they believe their reputations have been injured, the Guild cautioned against using such rights to intimidate journalists, suppress legitimate reporting or discourage investigations into the management of public resources.
The Guild also warned that Ojukwu’s prosecution could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism in the country, discouraging reporters from investigating matters of public interest.
“When a journalist can be sent to prison over a report concerning alleged misuse of public funds, the message to other journalists is unmistakable: ‘investigate at your peril’,” it said.
Citing Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution, the NGE said freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information without interference, was constitutionally guaranteed, while the mass media had a responsibility to hold government accountable to the people.
It insisted that the constitutional provisions must be respected and upheld in practice.
The Guild consequently demanded Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail pending the determination of the charges against him, describing his continued incarceration over allegations arising from his journalistic work as unacceptable.
It also called for an end to all forms of intimidation and harassment of journalists, urging authorities to address allegations of misuse of public funds through transparent and accountable processes rather than targeting those who expose them.
The NGE further demanded a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, taking into account constitutional guarantees of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public interest served by investigative journalism.
It urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to stop abusing cybersecurity laws and refrain from deploying criminal laws to settle disputes arising from legitimate journalistic investigations.
The Guild also called on the judiciary to protect fundamental rights and ensure that the judicial process was not turned into an instrument for silencing critical voices.
It vowed not to remain silent while press freedom was eroded through intimidation, harassment and the misuse of the criminal justice system.
