Daniel Ojukwu, detained investigative journalist, regains freedom

Daniel Ojukwu, detained investigative journalist, regains freedom

Daniel Ojukwu

Daniel Ojukwu, the detained journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has been released by the Nigerian Police.

Ojukwu was whisked away about 10 days ago with his phone numbers switched off and whereabouts unknown to his colleagues.

It was later discovered that he was detained by the police over a story he authored which the police claimed contravened the Cybercrime Act of 2016.

In announcing his release, the FIJ wrote on its website: “Daniel Ojukwu, the FIJ reporter who was abducted by men of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police, has regained freedom after 10 days in police captivity.

“Ojukwu went missing on Wednesday, May 1, his numbers switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family and friends.”

Arrested in Lagos, he was later moved to Abuja prompting a welter of criticisms and advocacy for his unconditional release by the media and civil society organisations.

He was said to have published a report about alleged financial mismanagement of over N147 million ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer.