Nigerian Guild of Editors: Daniel Ojukwu Cyberstalking, Criminal Defamation Remand Condemned

• FIJ journalist Daniel Ojukwu was arrested and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, facing 12 counts of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
• The charges relate to his investigation into an alleged ₦147 million payment to an Abuja restaurant for school construction, involving Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
• The Nigerian Guild of Editors condemned Ojukwu's prosecution as an attack on press freedom, demanding his immediate release.
• Ojukwu pleaded not guilty, and his bail application is scheduled for December 1 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
• The NGE warns against using cyberstalking and criminal defamation laws to intimidate journalists investigating public expenditure.

The ongoing prosecution of Daniel Ojukwu raises significant questions about the authorities' commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression within Nigeria.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the arrest, detention, and subsequent remand of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) correspondent Daniel Ojukwu at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, demanding his immediate release on bail. Ojukwu's prosecution, which the NGE views as a direct assault on press freedom and the public's right to information, stems from his investigative reporting into the expenditure of public funds. The journalist was ordered remanded by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 10, with his bail application scheduled for hearing on December 1.

Ojukwu faces a 12-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty, alleging cyberstalking and criminal defamation in Nigeria. These charges are linked to his reports concerning Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals. The investigation in question brought to light an alleged payment exceeding ₦147 million, equivalent to approximately $109,000, made to an Abuja-based restaurant. This substantial sum was purportedly for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school located in Lagos. Ojukwu's findings raised critical questions regarding the actual existence of these projects and the capacity and track record of the company awarded the contract.

FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo was also named as a defendant in the charges. Although the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, sought a bench warrant against Soyombo, the court rejected this request, ruling that such an order could not be issued against an individual who had not previously appeared before it. Soyombo subsequently indicated his intention to appear in court on December 1, despite claiming he had not yet been formally served with the charge sheet or proof of evidence.

The allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation against Daniel Ojukwu underscore a growing concern regarding the application of such laws against investigative journalists in Nigeria. The prosecution contends that Ojukwu's reports caused Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire to fear for her life, safety, or bodily harm. However, the NGE firmly asserts that the professional duty of a journalist, particularly in investigating and reporting on matters of public interest, should not lead to criminal prosecution and incarceration. The Guild highlighted that legitimate inquiries into public accountability, especially concerning the management of public resources, warrant transparent responses rather than the criminalization of those who bring such issues to public attention.

The NGE's statement, signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, explicitly challenged the premise of the charges. They declared that investigative journalism is not a crime, nor is asking questions about public expenditure equivalent to cyberstalking. Furthermore, the Guild emphasized that demanding accountability from public officials does not constitute defamation. This stance directly addresses the increasing use of cyberstalking law Nigeria journalists and criminal defamation Nigeria media to silence critical reporting.

The ongoing prosecution of Daniel Ojukwu raises significant questions about the authorities' commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression within Nigeria. The Nigerian Guild of Editors stressed that the media cannot effectively fulfill its constitutional responsibility if journalists face threats of arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment for exposing alleged irregularities or posing uncomfortable questions. This situation sets a concerning precedent, potentially chilling the willingness of other journalists to investigate and report on sensitive issues involving public officials and their use of public funds.

While acknowledging that individuals possess the right to seek legal redress when they believe their reputations have been harmed, the NGE issued a stern warning against leveraging these rights to intimidate journalists or to deter investigations into public spending. The Guild reiterated that public office holders must understand that their stewardship of public resources is inherently subject to scrutiny. The use of criminal defamation Nigeria media and cyberstalking laws in this context is seen as a tool to suppress vital oversight, thereby undermining the democratic principles of transparency and accountability.

This case highlights the increasing use of cyberstalking and criminal defamation laws against investigative journalists in Nigeria, setting a concerning precedent for press freedom. Lawyers advising media organizations or individuals involved in public accountability must be aware of the heightened legal risks and potential for prosecution when reporting on public officials and expenditure, necessitating robust legal defense strategies and careful risk assessment.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Online