The Foundation for Investigative Journalism reporter Daniel Ojukwu, who was abducted by men of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector-General of Police, has regained freedom after 10 days in police custody.
The journalist who went missing on Wednesday, May 1, had his numbers switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family, and friends.
Reports from FIJ stated that he was arrested and detained for a report he wrote in October 2023.
According to the FIJ, lawyers and negotiators, including Omoyele Sowore, Jide Oyekunle, and Bukky Shonibare, secured his release after the initial refusal of the police despite meeting the bail conditions, which spurred a march to the Force Headquarters by civil society organizations.
Abimbola Ojenike, FIJ’s attorney, condemned the police’s actions: “This will not go unchallenged. There’s a significant public interest in Daniel’s human rights enforcement action that goes beyond just this violation. The constitutional right to free speech is dead if journalists can no longer expose government officials’ malfeasance without fear or oppression.”
