Urgent Call for the Release of Detained Journalist Daniel Ojukwu: Amnesty International and SERAP Speak Out

The continued detention of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter, Daniel Ojukwu, has sparked concern from human rights groups. According to Premium Times Nigeria, Amnesty International stated that Ojukwu’s detention appears to be part of a pattern to punish journalists who expose corruption and hold public officials accountable. This assertion was echoed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter. The organisations want Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to ensure Ojukwu’s immediate release. The exact reasons for Ojukwu’s detention remain unclear, and the Nigerian government has not commented on when the facility began operating. It is crucial to uphold the freedom of the press, a fundamental pillar of a thriving democracy, and this case highlights the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding this essential right.