Calls for Release of Journalist Detained Under Cybercrime Law in Nigeria

Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has been detained in Nigeria under controversial charges related to his work. He was accused of cyberstalking and criminal defamation after publishing reports about a presidential aide and a former deputy governor of Lagos State.

The allegations include a claim that the aide paid over 147 million naira to a restaurant for building projects at a primary school, just weeks before the end of the previous president’s term. Ojukwu has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a judge has ordered him to remain in custody for 21 days without bail.

This situation has sparked outrage among media organizations and human rights groups, who argue that the Cybercrime Act, intended to combat online crime, is being misused to silence journalists. Amnesty International and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called for Ojukwu’s immediate release, emphasizing that no journalist should face criminal charges for reporting on public officials.

The ongoing detention of Ojukwu highlights a troubling trend in Nigeria, where journalists often face intimidation and legal challenges for their work. The country ranks poorly in global press freedom indexes, indicating a hostile environment for media professionals.

Critics are urging the Nigerian government to reform the Cybercrime Act to prevent its misuse against journalists. They stress that the law should not be used as a tool for political repression and that the judiciary must protect press freedom.

As calls for Ojukwu’s release grow, many are concerned about the implications for journalism in Nigeria and the broader impact on democracy and accountability.