A coalition of media freedom and civil society organisations has called for the immediate release on bail of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on a 12-count charge.

In a joint statement signed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) on behalf of the Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF), the group expressed deep concern over the court’s decision to remand the journalist.

Ojukwu was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, 10th November 2026, on charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

The charges stem from investigative reports published by FIJ in November 2023, which examined alleged irregularities in government contracts, public expenditure, and the execution of development projects under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs). He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The coalition noted that the court ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application, which was adjourned to 1st December 2026.

Arguing that the charges involve matters of legitimate public interest, the group warned that the prosecution highlights significant risks regarding the weaponisation of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Criminal Code Act to suppress investigative reporting.

“A public official’s disagreement with a publication, or the fact that a report may be critical of the government’s program and policy, does not automatically make such publication a criminal offence,” the statement read.

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of expression and Section 22, which mandates the press to hold government accountable, the coalition acknowledged that expression rights are not absolute but insisted restrictions must strictly align with human rights standards.

The group raised specific concerns over the invocation of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, which penalises electronic communications intended to bully, threaten, or harass.

It argued that publishing an investigative report questioning the management of public funds does not constitute cyberstalking without satisfying the strict legal thresholds of the provision.

It referenced a 2025 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advisory warning against the arbitrary application of Section 24 against media practitioners and activists.

Emphasising that the alleged offences are bailable, the coalition asserted that pre-trial detention should not be treated as a default punitive measure. It highlighted Ojukwu’s established professional standing, permanent residence, and compliance with prior administrative bail conditions as strong grounds for his immediate release.

“Keeping Ojukwu in custody for weeks before even considering his bail application is unnecessary and risks turning pretrial detention into punishment,” the coalition warned, invoking the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36(5).

The group outlined four key demands including the immediate release of Ojukwu on reasonable bail terms, restraint by law enforcement agencies in weaponising cybercrime legislation against journalists, a call for public officials to address investigative findings through transparent, lawful processes rather than criminal intimidation and an explicit assurance that journalists can execute their professional duties without fear of retaliatory prosecution.

According to the body, “The freedom of the press is fundamental to accountable governance. Journalism must not become a criminal offence simply because it questions those in positions of power.” (The Guardian)