A fresh debate over press freedom and accountability has emerged following the remand of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) correspondent Daniel Ojukwu at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Ojukwu was remanded on Tuesday, November 10, after appearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a 12-count charge involving alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case is connected to investigative reports published by FIJ between 2023 and 2024 concerning alleged expenditure and public projects handled by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
The charges were filed by the Inspector-General of Police following a petition by Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the presidential aide named in the reports. FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo is also listed as a defendant in the case.
The court ordered Ojukwu’s remand pending the hearing of his bail application, which was adjourned until December 1, 2026.
The development has attracted criticism from press freedom and civil society organisations. The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the charges to be dropped, arguing that criminal prosecution should not be used to punish investigative reporting. A coalition of 17 media and civil society organisations also called for Ojukwu’s release.
The aide’s lawyer, according to CPJ, defended the charges and argued that journalists should be able to demonstrate the accuracy of what they publish.
It is important to note that Ojukwu has pleaded not guilty and has not been convicted. The allegations concerning the projects and expenditure remain matters to be addressed through the appropriate investigative and judicial processes.
The case has renewed public discussion about the balance between protecting individuals from unlawful publications and ensuring journalists can investigate the use of public funds without intimidation.
