Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), detained by the Nigerian police since Wednesday, May 1, 2024, has regained his freedom.
ChroniclesReporters learnt that Ojukwu was released on Friday.
The journalist’s release comes a day after a coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Action Group for the Protection of Civic Actors and a human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand his release.
On Thursday, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIG Ayuba Ede, revealed that Ojukwu’s release was at the discretion of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
147 million naira (US$106,154) of government money for school construction into a restaurant’s bank account, according to the FIJ and its founder, Fisayo Soyombo, who spoke to CPJ.
The petition was written by a former National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Muiz Banire (SAN) on behalf of Orelope-Adefulire.
On Thursday, Sowore said the Nigerian police under the leadership of Egbetokun have demonstrated impunity and blatant disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.
The former presidential candidate, therefore, called on the police chief to order the immediate release of the journalist or face a nationwide mass action.
He reminded the police of the amendment of the Cybercrime Act 2015 by the National Assembly, adding that the police have no right to charge any Nigerian including journalists with cyberstalking.