Safer-Media Initiative (SMI) voices deep concern over the prolonged detention of Daniel Ojukwu, an Investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), bringing attention to what it perceives as a systemic threat to media freedom in Nigeria. Peter Iorter, the Executive Director and CEO of SMI, gave the strong message on Thursday during a chat with a group of journalists in London.
Iorter vehemently denounced the continuous confinement of Ojukwu, highlighting it as yet another ominous attempt by the Nigerian government to suppress journalism and muzzle free expression. "It is deeply troubling to witness the oppressive tactics employed by state authorities under the guise of cybercrime legislation, which not only criminalize investigative journalism but also undermine the fundamental right to free speech in Nigeria," he declared.
Of particular concern is the timing of Ojukwu's abduction, occurring just two days prior to the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. Iorter emphasized that such actions underscore why Nigeria persistently finds itself among the world's most challenging environments for journalists. The 2024 World Press Freedom Index painfully ranks Nigeria at a dismal 112th out of 180 countries, a sobering reminder of the grave challenges faced by journalists in the country.
According to reports from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu was reported missing on May 1st, only for it to be later discovered, two days afterward, that he was being detained by the police. Shockingly, the investigative journalist has languished in police custody for nine agonizing days without being presented before a court, ostensibly for alleged violations of the country's cybercrime laws.
SMI condemned this egregious violation of Nigeria's constitution, labeling it as a blatant disregard for human rights and press freedom. As an organisation committed to advancing press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists, SMI urgently calls upon the Nigerian Police and the administration of President Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release Daniel Ojukwu.
In the face of mounting threats to media freedom, SMI stands unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding the rights of journalists and preserving the integrity of free speech in Nigeria and beyond.