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Nigerian Guild of Editors accuses authorities of criminalising journalism following the arrest, prosecution and remand of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
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Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, face allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation over an investigation into the alleged payment of more than N147 million for school projects in Lagos.
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The Guild says Ojukwu’s continued detention after pleading not guilty to a 12-count charge raises concerns over press freedom and the use of cybersecurity laws against journalists.
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NGE demands Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail, a review of the charges and an end to the alleged harassment of journalists over reports on public expenditure.
November 15, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has accused Nigerian authorities of criminalising journalism through the arrest, detention and prosecution of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), and demanded his immediate release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
The Guild condemned Ojukwu’s remand following his arraignment on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
In a statement issued and signed on Sunday by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE described the journalist’s detention as disturbing, insisting that investigative reporting on matters of public interest should not attract criminal prosecution.
Ojukwu’s investigation reportedly exposed the alleged payment of more than N147 million, approximately $109,000, to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos.
The report raised questions about the existence of the projects, as well as the capacity and track record of the company allegedly involved in the contract.
The Guild said the issues raised by the investigation concerned public accountability and deserved transparent explanations rather than the prosecution of the journalist who brought them to public attention.
Ojukwu Remanded After Pleading Not Guilty
The NGE said it was particularly concerned that Ojukwu, alongside FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, was facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports.
It noted that Ojukwu had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the 12-count charge, while his bail application was adjourned from November 12 to December 1.
The Guild said the arrest, prolonged detention and prosecution of journalists over their professional work raised fundamental questions about the commitment of the authorities to press freedom, freedom of expression and the constitutional right of Nigerians to receive information.
It recalled that 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 Guild added that public office holders must understand that their stewardship of public resources was subject to scrutiny and that no official, regardless of position or influence, should consider himself or herself above legitimate journalistic inquiry.
It said the media could not discharge its constitutional responsibility if journalists were threatened with arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for exposing alleged irregularities or asking questions about public expenditure.
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While acknowledging that individuals had the right to seek legal redress where they believed their reputations had 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 NGE expressed concern about the implications of Ojukwu’s prosecution for investigative journalism in Nigeria, warning that the development could discourage journalists from probing issues involving public officials and government expenditure.
It said the detention of a journalist over a report concerning alleged misuse of public funds could send a message to other reporters that investigating matters of public interest carried the risk of arrest and imprisonment.
The Guild maintained that such an atmosphere was inimical to transparency, accountability and democratic governance. It also cited Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and recognise the responsibility of the mass media to hold government accountable to the people.
Section 39 guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, while Section 22 recognises the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable.
“These constitutional provisions must not remain mere declarations. They must be respected and upheld in practice”, the NGE said.
Demands Immediate Release, Review Of Charges
The Guild demanded the immediate release of Ojukwu on bail pending the determination of the charges, 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 in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
The NGE urged that allegations involving the misuse of public funds should be investigated and prosecuted through transparent and accountable processes rather than through the intimidation or criminalisation of journalists who expose matters of public interest.
It further demanded a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, with due regard to constitutional guarantees of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public interest served by investigative journalism.
The Guild also called on the police and other law enforcement agencies to stop the alleged abuse of cybersecurity laws and refrain from deploying criminal laws as instruments for settling disputes arising from legitimate journalistic investigations.
Calls On Judiciary To Protect Fundamental Rights
The NGE called on the judiciary to remain vigilant in protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that judicial processes were not turned into instruments for silencing critical voices.
It said it would not stand by while freedom of the press was eroded through intimidation, harassment and what it described as the misuse of the criminal justice system.
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