Alleged Cybercrime: FG Speaks On Arrest Of FIJ Journalist, Daniel Ojukwu

The Federal Government has reacted to the arrest and detention of a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu, over alleged cybercrime.

Recall that Ojukwu was arrested over an allegation bordering on “cybercrime”.

The management of FIJ said Ojukwu went missing on May 1 while his contact numbers were not reachable as family and friends struggled to reach him.

Speaking on the matter, FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, said he suspects Ojukwu was arrested over a certain investigative story he reported in November 2023.

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) eventually confirmed that the journalist was arrested by operatives attached to the national cybercrime centre in Abuja over a petition filed against him.

Giving an update to journalists on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Ojukwu has a case to answer.

“It has been confirmed that the journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, was arrested by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, based on a petition filed against him,” the force spokesperson said.

“It’s a case of violation of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act 2015 and other extant laws of the land. He has a case to answer. This was confirmed to me on Sunday by the CP and head of the centre.”

Adejobi said the force headquarters will soon address the matter “to clear the grey areas”.

Speaking on Saturday night at the NUJ Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said his ministry is working to resolve the issues surrounding the reporter’s detention.

According to him, “I made a solemn pledge on the first day of assumption of duty that this indeed would be one the best times for media practitioners in this country because we would say it exactly as it is for you to report. Press freedom is very important to uphold. But I keep telling us also, reminding us that your freedom also has to go with enormous responsibility. You cannot allow purveyors of disinformation and fake news to occupy your space.

“I know that we have had some challenges, especially in the last couple of weeks concerning one journalist who has had some problems with the security agencies. That problem has been solved or is being solved. I’m being reminded by someone today that there’s another one. We are also working to ensure that one is also resolved.

“I am glad to report that UNESCO is coming up with a guide that would help all of us, especially practitioners in the social media to see that their work is done in a way and manner that is factual, honest, transparent, patriotic and also accountable to all Nigerians.

“My message here today is that much as the government is trying to ensure we have an enabling environment for all of you to practice this profession freely and unhindered, the responsibility is incumbent on all of us to also ensure that whatever we say, write and project is also truthful in the interest of our country.”

“The Nigerian press will continue to be free. Their work will continue unhindered and interrupted. The message that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given you right from the time I was appointed as minister is that he is also a product of the free press and therefore, he would not allow during his tenure for a free press to be trampled upon.”