Nigerian Court Remands Journalist Daniel Ojukwu Over Cybercrime And Defamation Charges

Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu has been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to 12 charges involving alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation linked to reports on government projects and public spending. The Federal High Court adjourned his bail hearing until December 1, 2026, while press freedom organisations have called for his release, warning that the prosecution could discourage investigative journalism in Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu at the Kuje Correctional Centre over 12 charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation arising from reports he published about government projects and public spending.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the order on November 10, 2026, after Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court adjourned the hearing of his bail application until December 1, meaning the journalist is expected to remain in custody until then unless the court grants him bail earlier.
Ojukwu works with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), an independent Nigerian media organisation known for investigating allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds and failures in public services.
The case has attracted attention from press freedom organisations and civil society groups, which have raised concerns about the use of criminal laws against journalists reporting on matters involving public officials.

WHAT LED TO THE JOURNALIST'S ARREST?

The charges are connected to investigative reports published by FIJ between November 2023 and January 2024. The reports examined alleged irregularities in government contracts and expenditure by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, associated with Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Among the issues investigated was the reported expenditure of approximately ₦147.5 million on the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at Ajeromi Primary School in Lagos.
FIJ's reports questioned the execution of the projects and whether the money allocated had produced the expected results. The organisation also reported findings from a visit to the school, raising questions about the condition of the facilities and the work allegedly carried out.
However, the police prosecution argues that some of the publications amounted to cyberstalking and criminal defamation. The charge sheet alleges that the communications exposed Orelope-Adefulire to fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
These are allegations presented by the prosecution and have not been established as proven offences. Ojukwu has pleaded not guilty and will have the opportunity to defend himself through the judicial process.

COURT ORDERS REMAND AS BAIL HEARING IS POSTPONED

During the November 10 proceedings, the prosecution asked the court to remand Ojukwu after the charges were read to him and he entered his plea.
His defence team drew the judge's attention to a bail application and argued that the journalist should be allowed to continue enjoying the administrative bail previously granted by the police.
The lawyers maintained that Ojukwu had complied with the conditions attached to that earlier arrangement and had not breached them.
However, the judge declined the request, noting that the criminal charge had been served on the defendant before the bail application was filed. The court consequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The bail application was not heard immediately because it had only recently been filed. The matter was therefore adjourned until December 1, 2026, to allow the prosecution to respond.
FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo is also named as a defendant in the case. He was not present at the November 10 hearing, and the prosecution informed the court that he was not in custody.

THIS IS NOT OJUKWU'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE POLICE

The latest court proceedings follow an earlier arrest and detention of Ojukwu in 2024 over the same investigative publications.
He was reportedly arrested in Lagos and held for 10 days before his release on May 10, 2024, following public criticism and pressure from human rights organisations.
Although he was released, the investigation and legal proceedings continued. The police reportedly retained his international passport and required him to report to the National Cybercrime Centre on several occasions.
The current court case has therefore revived concerns about the prolonged legal and personal consequences journalists may face when their investigations involve allegations against influential public officials.

RIGHTS GROUPS RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT PRESS FREEDOM

The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Nigerian authorities to drop the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, arguing that criminal prosecution over investigative reporting could discourage journalists from examining the activities of public officials.
Amnesty International and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have also called for Ojukwu's release and an end to the prosecution.
The organisations argue that journalists should be able to investigate allegations of corruption and public spending without facing criminal punishment for their reporting. They have urged the government to protect press freedom and ensure that criminal defamation and cybercrime laws are not used to intimidate the media.
However, the legal position remains that the allegations must be determined by the court. The prosecution will have to establish its case, while the defendants retain the right to challenge the charges and present their defence.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO MEDIA FREEDOM CONCERNS

Following the public reaction to Ojukwu's detention, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government would not gag the media or suppress journalists for expressing views that differ from the government's position.
His assurance comes amid growing attention to the relationship between law enforcement, public accountability and the constitutional freedom of expression.
The case has also raised questions about how authorities should balance the protection of individuals from harmful publications with the public's right to receive information about government activities.

WHY THE CASE MATTERS TO NIGERIAN JOURNALISM

The prosecution of Ojukwu and Soyombo has implications beyond the two journalists because investigative reporting plays an important role in exposing possible misuse of public resources and demanding accountability from those entrusted with public office.
When journalists investigate government contracts, public projects and expenditure, their findings can help citizens understand how public funds are being used and whether promised services are being delivered.
At the same time, people who believe they have been harmed by false or defamatory publications have legal avenues to seek redress. The challenge is ensuring that such processes do not become a means of discouraging legitimate reporting or preventing scrutiny of public institutions.
The case is particularly significant as Nigeria approaches another general election cycle in 2027, when the media will be expected to examine political promises, government performance and the use of public resources.

DECEMBER 1 HEARING COULD DETERMINE OJUKWU'S IMMEDIATE FUTURE

The next major development is expected on December 1, 2026, when the Federal High Court is scheduled to hear Ojukwu's bail application.
The court's decision will determine whether he can leave custody while the substantive case continues.
The prosecution and defence will also have to address the allegations through the judicial process, while the position of the second defendant, Fisayo Soyombo, remains an important part of the proceedings.
For now, Ojukwu remains at the Kuje Correctional Centre, and the case continues to attract national and international attention over the protection of journalists, accountability in public spending and the limits of criminal law in matters involving investigative reporting.