NGE Raises Alarm Over Ojukwu’s Imprisonment, Says Investigative Journalism Is Not A Crime

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who is being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

The Guild described the journalist’s arrest, detention and prosecution as a disturbing threat to press freedom, warning that criminalising investigative reporting could discourage journalists from holding public officials accountable.

Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), is facing a 12-count charge alongside the organisation’s founder, Fisayo Soyombo, over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NGE said the investigation that led to the prosecution reportedly examined an alleged payment of more than N147 million to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos.

The report reportedly questioned the existence of the projects, as well as the capacity and track record of the company involved in the contract.

According to the Guild, these were legitimate matters of public interest that required transparent explanations from the relevant authorities.

It expressed concern that Ojukwu had been remanded in prison after pleading not guilty to the charges, while his bail application was adjourned from November 12 to December 1.

The statement, signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, faulted the resort to arrest and criminal prosecution over journalistic investigations.

The Guild said public officials must recognise that their management of public resources is subject to scrutiny and that no individual holding public office should be shielded from legitimate journalistic inquiries.

It acknowledged that individuals have the right to seek legal redress where they believe their reputations have been damaged but warned against using such rights to intimidate journalists or suppress reporting on issues of public accountability.

The NGE further cautioned that Ojukwu’s continued incarceration could create an atmosphere of fear within the media industry, where journalists might become reluctant to investigate alleged financial irregularities involving public institutions.

It cited Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which respectively recognise the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable and guarantee freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information.

Among its demands, the Guild called for Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail, an end to the harassment of journalists and a review of the charges against him and Soyombo in the light of constitutional protections for press freedom.

It also urged the authorities to investigate allegations of misuse of public funds through transparent and accountable processes rather than criminalising journalists who bring such matters to public attention.

The organisation called on the police and other security agencies to stop abusing cybersecurity laws and urged the judiciary to protect fundamental rights and prevent judicial processes from becoming instruments for silencing critical voices.

The NGE warned that the erosion of press freedom through intimidation and misuse of the criminal justice system would undermine transparency, accountability and democratic governance in Nigeria.