The Nigerian Police authorities have freed Daniel Ojukwu, the journalist held in custody affiliated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
Ojukwu, who had disappeared with his phone turned off, and his location undisclosed to colleagues, was discovered to be detained by the police. He was subsequently released 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 detained on suspicion of violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, a law frequently condemned for its use in censorship.
The journalist’s apprehension and subsequent relocation to the Nigerian capital, Abuja, occurred after he published a report concerning purported financial mismanagement totaling over N147 million ($104,600) implicating a senior government official, as reported by his employer.
‘Thank you, Nigerians’
After his apprehension, friends, colleagues, and supporters rallied for Ojukwu’s release, urging for his freedom.
On Thursday, a coalition comprising media and civil society groups staged a demonstration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, protesting against his prolonged detention.
During a press briefing, the group’s spokesperson, Bukky Shonibare, expressed concerns over the escalating assaults on press freedom and the stifling of dissenting opinions, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Shonibare noted that after nine days in custody, during which Ojukwu was allegedly detained on the orders of the inspector general of police, the police were obligated to either press charges against him or release him unconditionally.
Upon Ojukwu’s release, an elated Bukky expressed her gratitude on her social media handle, thanking Nigerians for their support.
“Daniel Ojukwu is out. Thank you, Nigerians,” she posted. “Thank you, everyone.”
Daniel Ojukwu is out.
Thank you, Nigerians.
Thank you, everyone. #FreeDanielOjukwu https://t.co/nRBNg5TqWJ pic.twitter.com/sJTm4OVycs— Bukky Shonibare (@BukkyShonibare) May 10, 2024