A journalist affiliated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Daniel Ojukwu, has been reportedly detained by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police on allegations of cybercrime.
According to Ojukwu’s employers at the FIJ, he is currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti in Lagos. He went missing on May 1, with his phone switched off, leading to concerns from colleagues, family, and friends regarding his whereabouts.
Despite efforts to report him missing, Ojukwu’s location remained unknown until a private investigator hired by FIJ traced his last active phone location to Isheri Olofin, where the police reportedly seized his device.
His family later discovered his detention at Panti, where he faces accusations under the 2015 Cybercrime Act. However, attempts to contact the Investigating Police Officer have been unsuccessful due to jurisdictional issues as the case spans beyond Lagos.
According to a relative who visited him, the arresting officers belong to the IG Monitoring Team and indicated plans to transfer Ojukwu and others to Abuja after concluding arrests in Lagos.
Ojukwu has been held without communication or legal representation for three days. His abduction coincides with World Press Freedom Day, raising concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression.
This incident follows previous harassment of FIJ by the police, including the interrogation of FIJ’s Board of Trustees chairman, Bukky Shonibare, in March. Despite assurances, the police have not provided a clear explanation for Ojukwu’s detention.
There are indications of ongoing persecution of FIJ by law enforcement, with allegations against the organization and its founder, ‘Fisayo Soyombo.’ Despite requests for formal communication, FIJ has not received any invitation from the police.
