The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has demanded the immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), following his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over charges linked to his investigative reports.
In a press statement, WSCIJ condemned Ojukwu’s continued detention and what it described as repeated harassment of journalists by state actors, warning that investigating matters of public interest should not expose media practitioners to intimidation, assault or deprivation of liberty.
The organisation said the journalist’s case highlights the need to move beyond public commitments to press freedom and ensure practical protection for journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities.
WSCIJ Condemns Ojukwu’s Detention, Demands Immediate Release
WSCIJ described Ojukwu’s detention as troubling, particularly because it followed the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2.
The organisation noted that barely eight days after the international observance, Ojukwu was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday, November 10, over charges arising from his investigative reports.
It maintained that journalism is not a crime and that reporting on issues of public interest should never become grounds for intimidation or the deprivation of a journalist’s freedom.
WSCIJ consequently called for Ojukwu’s immediate release, stressing that efforts to end impunity for attacks against journalists must be reflected in the protection of media practitioners rather than limited to commemorative events.
Group Recalls Repeated Arrests, Assaults and Harassment of Journalist
The centre expressed concern over what it described as Ojukwu’s history of repeated arrests, assaults, detention and harassment by state actors in connection with his journalistic work.
It disclosed that the journalist’s experiences were documented in its 2025 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report, which examined challenges affecting journalists and the broader civic environment in Nigeria.
According to WSCIJ, Ojukwu also shared further details of his experiences during its August Journalism and Society Conversation, providing additional insight into the challenges he has faced while carrying out investigative journalism.
The organisation said the latest development reinforces concerns about the safety of journalists and the risks faced by media practitioners who investigate issues involving public officials and institutions.
WSCIJ Calls for Stronger Protection of Journalists, End to Impunity
The statement also referenced WSCIJ’s launch of a policy brief on Tuesday, November 10, which builds on findings from its 2025 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report.
According to the organisation, the policy brief renews its advocacy for a safer civic space, stronger protection for journalists and an end to impunity for attacks against the press.
WSCIJ said Ojukwu’s latest arrest and detention underscore the urgency of translating these commitments into concrete actions to prevent journalists from facing intimidation and reprisals for holding those in power accountable.
It urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen protections for media practitioners and ensure that journalists can investigate and report matters of public interest without fear of harassment or attacks.
The organisation reiterated its demand for Ojukwu’s release, insisting that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or punishment for their work.
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