The Nigerian Police has stated that the arrest and detention of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), aligns with “legal protocols and procedures.”
The police, in a statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force’s Public Relations Officer, noted that the FIJ reporter was “lawfully apprehended and detained under a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2, 2024.”
Arguing that the FIJ reporter “has a case to answer,” the police added that Ojukwu’s arrest “is linked to allegations of violating provisions of the Cybercrime Act and other existing laws about cyber-related crimes.”
Chronicle NG reports that after being held captive by police for ten days, Ojukwu, a FIJ journalist was released on Friday.
Ojukwu was said to have gone missing on Wednesday, May 1. His numbers were switched off, and his whereabouts were unknown to colleagues, family, and friends.
Twenty-four hours after Ojukwu went missing, FIJ filed a missing person complaint at police stations in the area where he was headed.
Reacting to the widespread condemnation of the police over his arrest, the police clarified that “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses recent developments regarding the arrest and investigation of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, reiterating that much contrary to speculative reports, Mr. Ojukwu’s investigation is in strict compliance with legal protocols and procedures.
“Mr. Ojukwu was lawfully apprehended and detained under a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2, 2024. His initial detention in Lagos and subsequent transfer to Abuja by the FCID-National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) align with standard investigative procedures undertaken by police.
“The detention of Mr. Ojukwu is linked to allegations of violating provisions of the Cybercrime Act and other existing laws about cyber-related crimes.
“These allegations stem from a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution, upon which he was petitioned to the Nigerian Police for investigations.
“With our preliminary forensic investigation and the recovery of some contents generated by the suspect, Mr. Ojukwu has a case to answer and, as such, will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.
“In the same vein, the police did not deny Mr. Ojukwu bail, as it was predicated on him meeting the conditions set for the bail.
“He has however been released upon providing a reliable surety today, Friday, May 10, 2024, pending the commencement of prosecution at the Federal High Court, which has jurisdiction over cyber-related crimes.
“It is instructive to note that his release does not correlate with the unwarranted protest held at the Police Headquarters on May 9, 2024, but strictly due to him meeting the bail requirements and the policy of the Force on being rule of law compliant.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its duty to maintain law and order, uphold justice, and safeguard the rights of all citizens.
“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from speculation and an undue media trial to avoid jeopardizing the legal procedures in the case.”
