FIJ Journalist Daniel Ojukwu Regains Freedom After Protest

iexclusivenews – Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been released from an unwarranted detention that lasted ten days.

Ojukwu was forcibly taken by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police, sparking widespread concern and protests.

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Mysterious Disappearance and Community Alarm

On May 1, Ojukwu’s sudden disappearance caused alarm among his colleagues, family, and friends as his contact numbers became unreachable.

The uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts prompted FIJ to file a missing person report at local police stations.

Breakthrough and Revelation of Detention

Two days later, a breakthrough came when a private investigator employed by FIJ traced Ojukwu’s last known phone activity to Isheri Olofin, which is now believed to be the site of his initial apprehension by the police.

Subsequently, Ojukwu’s family learned of his detention at the Panti facility, where he was allegedly being held for purported violations of the 2015 Cybercrime Act.

Transfer to Cybercrime Centre and Subsequent Moves

In the early hours of Sunday, the IRT transferred Ojukwu to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.

Shortly thereafter, he was moved to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), a location deemed more coercive by FIJ.

Negotiations and Civil Society’s Role in Securing Release

FIJ’s legal team, led by notable figures such as Omoyele Sowore, Jide Oyekunle, and Bukky Shonibare, faced harsh bail conditions in their negotiations for Ojukwu’s release.

The tide turned when civil society groups rallied at the Force Headquarters, advocating for his freedom, which led to a softening of the police’s stance and ultimately, his release.

Legal Counsel’s Condemnation and Call to Action

Abimbola Ojenike, Managing Partner of Slingstone LP and legal counsel for FIJ, condemned the incident as a flagrant human rights violation and an abuse of police power against journalists.

Ojenike emphasized the broader implications for free speech and the necessity of challenging such abuses to ensure journalists can report without fear of repression.

This case underscores the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the importance of safeguarding journalists’ rights to hold government officials accountable.

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