Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, following his remand in prison custody for 21 days by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The organisation made the demand in a statement published on its X platform on Wednesday, expressing concern over what it described as the use of judicial processes to intimidate journalists and undermine freedom of expression and press freedom in Nigeria.
Ojukwu, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been facing legal proceedings since December 2024 following reports he published on alleged corruption and diversion of public funds involving government officials.
Amnesty International recalled that the journalist was abducted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in May 2024 in connection with his journalistic activities.
It warned that his continued detention and prosecution could reflect a broader pattern of using the criminal justice system to punish journalists for exposing alleged corruption and holding public officials accountable.
The organisation added that his additional 21-day remand could create fear and discourage journalists from carrying out investigative reporting.
It urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that all legal proceedings against Ojukwu comply with international human rights standards, particularly the right to a fair trial and due process.
Amnesty International also called on the government to end what it described as the harassment and intimidation of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, insisting that he must be allowed to carry out legitimate journalistic activities without fear of reprisals.
The organisation stressed that journalists should be free to investigate and report allegations of corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations without threats, arbitrary arrests or prosecution.
It further urged the government to protect the rights of journalists, activists, human rights defenders and other critics, warning against the use of criminal laws and judicial processes to silence dissenting voices.
Amnesty International maintained that journalism was not a crime and that exposing allegations of corruption should not be treated as an offence.
It called on the Nigerian authorities to respect and protect freedom of expression and press freedom, including the right of citizens and media professionals to investigate, report and criticise public officials and government policies without intimidation.