Nigerian Journalist Detained for Alleged Cybercrime Violation

Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist working for the Nigerian non-profit Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been held in police custody for over a week without being charged. This detention, reportedly linked to a critical investigative report published by Ojukwu in November 2023, has sparked outrage from media rights groups.

Nigerian law mandates that suspects be presented before a court within 48 hours of their arrest. However, FIJ claims Ojukwu disappeared on May 1st and they were only notified two days later that he was being detained by the police under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Efforts to reach the national police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, for comment have been unsuccessful. However, Adejobi previously stated that Ojukwu’s arrest stemmed from a petition filed against him, authorized by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre.

This incident has drawn strong criticism from civil society organizations. A recent statement by a coalition of 33 such groups accused the Nigerian police of “veering off course” from its duty to uphold law and order, instead serving as a tool to suppress dissent and independent journalism.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded Ojukwu’s immediate and unconditional release. The organization further highlighted that at least 25 Nigerian journalists have faced charges under the cybercrime law since its implementation in 2015. Activists and pressure groups contend that this law is deliberately used by the government to silence critical voices within the media landscape.

Nigeria’s ranking on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index further emphasizes this concerning trend. The country currently sits at a dismal 112th place out of 180 nations evaluated.

Ojukwu’s detention serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria who dare to question the status quo. The international community and media rights organizations will likely continue to pressure the Nigerian government to ensure press freedom and due process are upheld.