NGE demands immediate release of journalist Daniel Ojukwu, condemns detention over investigative report

The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called for the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, warning that his continued detention over reports on alleged public fund mismanagement threatens press freedom and accountability in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the detention and prosecution of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

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Ojukwu is currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after being remanded over a 12-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, the Guild described the journalist’s prosecution as a troubling development for press freedom, insisting that reporting on matters of public interest should not expose journalists to intimidation or imprisonment.

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The statement was signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

NGE Raises Alarm Over ₦147 Million School Project Investigation
The dispute followed an investigative report by Ojukwu concerning the alleged payment of more than ₦147 million, approximately $109,000, to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos.

According to the report, questions were raised about whether the projects existed and whether the company awarded the contract possessed the relevant experience and capacity to execute the work.

The Guild maintained that concerns surrounding public expenditure and the implementation of government-funded projects were legitimate issues that warranted clear explanations from the relevant authorities.

It argued that journalists who investigate such matters should not be subjected to criminal prosecution simply for bringing questions of accountability to public attention.

Fisayo Soyombo Also Faces Allegations
The NGE also expressed concern over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation involving Ojukwu and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo in connection with the investigative reports.

The Guild disclosed that Ojukwu’s bail application, which was scheduled for consideration on November 12, had been adjourned until December 1.

It said the journalist’s continued detention raised serious concerns about the use of criminal laws in disputes arising from journalistic investigations.

The Guild stressed that although individuals have the right to seek legal remedies when they believe their reputations have been damaged, such rights should not be used to silence legitimate reporting or discourage scrutiny of public officials.

‘Investigative Journalism Is Not a Crime’ — Editors
Reaffirming its position on press freedom, the NGE rejected the use of cybersecurity legislation to harass or intimidate journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“Investigative journalism is not a crime. Asking questions about public expenditure is not cyberstalking.

Demanding accountability from public officials is not defamation,” the Guild stated.

It warned that imprisoning journalists over reports involving alleged misuse of public resources could discourage other media professionals from investigating issues affecting citizens.

According to the Guild, such developments risk creating an atmosphere in which journalists become reluctant to question government spending or expose possible irregularities for fear of criminal prosecution.

NGE Cites Constitution, Demands Review of Charges
The Guild invoked Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which protect freedom of expression and recognise the responsibility of the mass media to hold government accountable to the people.

It urged the authorities to respect these constitutional provisions while ensuring that allegations involving public resources are investigated through transparent and accountable procedures.

The NGE consequently demanded Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail pending the determination of the charges against him.

It also called for a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, taking into account constitutional protections for freedom of expression, press freedom and the public interest served by investigative journalism.

The Guild further urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to refrain from using cybersecurity and criminal laws to intimidate journalists or resolve disputes arising from legitimate reporting.

It called on the judiciary to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure that court processes do not become instruments for suppressing critical voices.

Editors Warn Against Threats to Press Freedom
The NGE warned that the continued detention and prosecution of journalists over investigative reports could weaken public accountability and undermine the media’s constitutional role.

It maintained that public officials must be prepared to answer legitimate questions about the management of public funds and should not regard scrutiny by the media as an offence.

The Guild reiterated its opposition to the erosion of press freedom through harassment, intimidation and the alleged misuse of the criminal justice system.
It said it would continue to oppose actions that threaten journalists’ ability to investigate matters of public interest and hold those in positions of authority accountable.

The NGE’s central demand is that Ojukwu be released on bail, the charges against both journalists be reviewed, and allegations concerning public expenditure be addressed through transparent and accountable processes.

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