Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of investigative journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, warning that his continued detention threatens press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
The organisation said his prosecution over reports on alleged corruption and abuse of power could create an atmosphere of fear among journalists and discourage them from holding public officials accountable.
Amnesty International Nigeria made the demand in a statement published on its X account on Wednesday, following a Federal High Court order remanding Ojukwu in prison custody for 21 days.
The organisation raised concerns about the use of judicial processes to intimidate journalists, particularly those investigating alleged corruption and the misuse of public funds by government officials.
Ojukwu, an investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, was previously arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in May 2024 over his reporting.
Amnesty also called on the authorities to end what it described as the harassment and intimidation of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, urging them to respect his right to report on alleged corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations.
The organisation maintained that journalists should be able to carry out their work without threats, arbitrary arrests, detention or prosecution for legitimate reporting activities.
It further urged the Nigerian government to ensure that legal proceedings comply with international human rights standards, including fair trial guarantees and due process.