Just In : Nigerian Police Claim It Recovered ‘Some Contents’ From FIJ Journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, Set To Arraign Him In Court
We eported on Friday that the journalist detained by the Nigerian police since May 1, 2024, finally regained his freedom.
The Nigeria Police Force has justified the illegal arrest and detention of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) over his investigation report.
SaharaReporters reported on Friday that the journalist detained by the Nigerian police since May 1, 2024, finally regained his freedom.
His release on Friday came a day after a coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Action Group for the Protection of Civic Actors and a human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand his release.
On Thursday, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIG Ayuba Ede, had revealed that Ojukwu’s release was at the discretion of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
But the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued on Friday night after the release of the journalist, insisted that he had a case to answer.
Adejobi stated that contrary to what he described as “speculative reports” regarding the arrest and investigation of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, it was done in strict compliance with legal protocols and procedures.
Mr. Ojukwu, he said, was lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd 2024.
“His initial detention in Lagos and subsequent transfer to Abuja by the FCID-National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) aligns with standard investigative procedures undertaken by police,” the statement noted.
According to the Force Police Public Relations Officer, the detention of Mr. Ojukwu is linked to allegations of violating provisions of the Cybercrime Act, and other extant laws pertaining to cyber related crimes.
“These allegations stem from a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution upon which he was petitioned to the Nigeria Police for investigations.
“With our preliminary forensic investigation, and recovery of some contents generated by the suspect, Mr. Ojukwu has a case to answer and as such will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of 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 10th May, 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 has no correlation with the unwarranted protest held at the Police Headquarters on 9th May, 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 speculations and undue media trial in order to avoid jeopardising the legal procedures in the case.”
