Open Alliance has condemned the continued detention and prosecution of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
The organisation made the demand in a press statement reacting to reports concerning Ojukwu’s detention over investigative reports on alleged irregularities in the expenditure of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
Open Alliance said the journalist’s detention raised serious concerns about press freedom, freedom of expression and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, particularly as the reports involved scrutiny of public funds and government accountability.
The organisation maintained that journalists should be protected when investigating public expenditure and demanding transparency rather than facing intimidation, prosecution or imprisonment for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Group Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom, Warns Against Criminalising Investigative Journalism
Open Alliance argued that the detention of Ojukwu could discourage investigative journalism and weaken public scrutiny of government activities, warning against the use of criminal prosecution to silence journalists.
It acknowledged that public officials have the right to seek legal redress when they believe their reputations have been damaged but stressed that such legal processes should not be used to intimidate journalists or suppress legitimate reporting.
The organisation noted that investigative journalism plays an important role in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly when public resources and the activities of government institutions are involved.
It warned that treating journalists as criminals for reporting on matters of public interest could further restrict civic space and undermine the fundamental freedoms required for a functioning democracy.
Open Alliance Calls on Authorities to End Criminal Defamation, Cyberstalking Provisions Against Journalists
The organisation called on the Bola Tinubu-led government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and other relevant authorities to ensure Ojukwu’s immediate and unconditional release.
It also urged the authorities to discontinue the use of criminal defamation and cyberstalking provisions as tools for intimidating journalists and discouraging critical reporting.
Open Alliance further called for guarantees that media practitioners can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear of intimidation, prosecution or reprisals.
Reaffirming its position, the organisation said democracy could not thrive in an environment where individuals who question public spending are treated as criminals.
“Journalism is not a crime, and accountability must never be punished,” Open Alliance said.
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