Journalist Daniel Ojukwu released after 10 days in detention
Daniel Ojukwu, the journalist affiliated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been released by Nigerian police authorities after spending 10 days in detention.
Ojukwu, whose disappearances had caused concern among his colleagues as his phone numbers were unreachable and his location was a mystery, was finally located in police custody and set free on Friday.
“Daniel Ojukwu, the FIJ reporter who was abducted by men of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police, has regained freedom after 10 days in police captivity,” the FIJ wrote on its website about Ojukwu’s release.
“Ojukwu went missing on Wednesday, May 1, his numbers switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family and friends.”
He was held for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, often criticized as a tool for censorship.
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The journalist’s arrest and subsequent transfer to the Nigerian capital of Abuja followed his report about alleged financial mismanagement of over N147 million ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer.
Following his arrest, friends, colleagues, and others drummed up support for Ojukwu, calling for his release.
On Thursday, a coalition of media and civil society groups protested his continued detention at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
While addressing journalists, the spokesperson of the group, Bukky Shonibare, said the recent surge in attacks on press freedom and the silencing of dissenting voices is becoming alarming.
She said that after nine days in detention after forcefully arresting Ojukwu on alleged orders of the inspector general of police, the police are duty bound to file charges against him or release him unconditionally.
Upon Ojokwu’s release, an excited Bukky took to her X handle, thanking Nigerians for their support.
“Daniel Ojukwu is out. Thank you, Nigerians,” she posted. “Thank you, everyone.”
