Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), calling for his immediate release.
In a statement posted on its X platform, Amnesty International expressed deep concern over Ojukwu’s arrest and emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of the press. The organization urged the Nigerian Police to release Ojukwu without delay, denouncing what it described as a “relentless attack on freedom of the press.”
The arrest of Ojukwu was earlier reported by SaharaReporters, detailing how he was taken into custody by the Intelligence Response Team on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Ojukwu is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti in Lagos State, on allegations of cybercrime, as reported by FIJ.
Despite initial attempts by FIJ to report Ojukwu as missing and undisclosed location by the police, a breakthrough occurred when a private detective managed to trace the last active location of Ojukwu’s phone to an address in Isheri Olofin. Subsequently, Ojukwu’s family learned of his detention at Panti.
Efforts to obtain contact details for the Investigating Police Officer have been unsuccessful, with jurisdictional issues cited as the case extends beyond Lagos. Ojukwu has been held incommunicado for three days without access to legal representation.
The timing of Ojukwu’s arrest coincides with World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the significance of press freedom and the right to freedom of expression as emphasized by the United Nations.