NGE Raises Alarm Over Daniel Ojukwu’s Imprisonment, Demands Release of Journalist Facing 12-Count Charge

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the arrest, detention and prosecution of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, demanding his immediate release on bail and a review of the criminal charges brought against him and the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo.

The Guild described Ojukwu’s continued detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja as a disturbing development for press freedom, warning that prosecuting journalists over investigations into public expenditure could undermine accountability and discourage independent journalism in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE expressed concern that Ojukwu was facing criminal prosecution over investigative reports that questioned the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

The Guild said Ojukwu’s investigation reportedly exposed an alleged payment of more than N147 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 State. The investigation reportedly raised questions about whether the projects existed as claimed and the capacity and track record of the company awarded the contract.

According to the NGE, the issues raised by the investigation were legitimate matters of public accountability that deserved transparent explanations from the relevant authorities rather than the criminal prosecution of the journalist who brought them to public attention. It maintained that public officials entrusted with taxpayers’ money must remain open to scrutiny, irrespective of their positions or influence.

Ojukwu and Soyombo are facing a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the investigative publications concerning Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals. Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges when he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered Ojukwu’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre on November 10, 2026, pending the hearing of his bail application. The application, initially expected to be considered on November 12, was adjourned until December 1, leaving the journalist in custody while awaiting the court’s determination of his request for bail.

The NGE also recalled that Ojukwu had previously been arrested on May 1, 2024, over reports concerning the same government office and detained for 10 days before his release on May 10, following public protests and pressure from media and human rights organisations. The Guild expressed concern that the renewed legal action represented another troubling episode for journalists investigating the management of public resources.

Condemning what it described as the growing resort to cybersecurity legislation to intimidate journalists, the Guild insisted that investigative reporting should not be criminalised. It cited Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which respectively guarantee freedom of expression and recognise the responsibility of the mass media to hold government accountable to the people. It warned that the continued detention and prosecution of journalists could create an atmosphere in which reporters become reluctant to investigate alleged financial irregularities for fear of arrest and imprisonment.

The Guild consequently demanded Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail, an end to the intimidation and harassment of journalists, transparent investigation of allegations involving public funds and a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo. It also urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to desist from abusing cybersecurity laws to settle disputes arising from legitimate journalistic investigations, while calling on the judiciary to protect fundamental rights and prevent judicial processes from becoming instruments for silencing critical voices. The NGE reaffirmed its determination not to remain silent while press freedom was threatened through intimidation, harassment and the misuse of the criminal justice system.