The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded the immediate release of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who is being remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, over reports questioning the expenditure of public funds by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
The Guild condemned Ojukwu’s arrest, detention, arraignment and remand, describing his prosecution over investigative reports as a threat to press freedom and the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said it was alarmed that a journalist was facing criminal prosecution for investigating matters of public interest.
Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), reportedly exposed the alleged payment of more than ₦147 million (approximately $109,000) to an Abuja-based restaurant for the construction of classrooms and a skills acquisition centre at a primary school in Lagos.
The investigation raised questions about the existence of the projects, as well as the capacity and track record of the company involved in the contract.
The Guild said the issues raised by the investigation were legitimate matters of public accountability that deserved transparent answers rather than the criminalisation of the journalist who brought them to public attention.
It expressed concern that Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, were facing allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation in connection with the reports.
The NGE further said Ojukwu had been remanded in prison after pleading not guilty to a 12-count charge, while his bail application was adjourned from November 12 to December 1.
The Guild described the arrest, detention and prosecution of journalists over their professional work as a disturbing development that raised questions about the authorities’ commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression.
It recalled its opposition to the use of cybersecurity laws by the police and other security agencies to harass, intimidate and bully journalists.
“Investigative journalism is not a crime. Asking questions about public expenditure is not cyberstalking. Demanding accountability from public officials is not defamation,” the statement said.
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The Guild maintained that public office holders must be accountable for their stewardship of public resources and should not consider themselves above legitimate journalistic scrutiny.
While acknowledging the right of individuals to seek legal redress where they believe their reputations have been damaged, the NGE warned against using such rights to intimidate journalists, suppress legitimate reporting or discourage investigations into public expenditure.
It said Ojukwu’s continued detention could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism, warning that sending journalists to prison over reports on alleged misuse of public funds could discourage others from investigating matters of public interest.
The Guild cited Sections 39 and 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and recognise the responsibility of the mass media to hold government accountable to the people.
Consequently, the NGE demanded Ojukwu’s immediate release on bail pending the determination of the charges against him and an end to all forms of intimidation and harassment of journalists.
It also called for the prosecution of allegations involving misuse of public funds through transparent and accountable processes rather than the intimidation of journalists who expose such matters.
The Guild further demanded a review of the charges against Ojukwu and Soyombo, taking into consideration constitutional guarantees of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public interest served by investigative journalism.
It urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to stop abusing cybersecurity laws and refrain from deploying criminal laws to settle disputes arising from legitimate journalistic investigations.
The NGE also called on the judiciary to protect fundamental rights and ensure that judicial processes were not used to silence critical voices.
It warned that it would not stand by while press freedom was eroded through intimidation, harassment and the misuse of the criminal justice system.
