CHRICED flays continued detention of FIJ journalist, Ojukwu

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has denounced the continued detention of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Describing the journalist’s arrest as abduction, Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, lamented that the police continued to hold him for a week now, despite widespread public outcry.

He stated, yesterday: “It is disconcerting that Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, cited an ongoing investigation based on a petition without disclosing the identity of the petitioner. This situation evokes memories of past military authoritarian regimes, signalling a perilous descent into full dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu, wherein security agencies prioritise the interests of the politically powerful and influential.`

“CHRICED strongly denounces the inappropriate use of security forces, which are supported by public funds, to harass citizens, especially journalists, who are covering governance matters. Thanks to the brave, patriotic and fearless investigative reporting by FIJ into the widespread corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).”

According to him, FIJ should have been commended by the government for uncovering corruption.

The centre called on the police to respect the rights of journalists and uphold the rule of law. It also called on the authorities concerned to release Ojukwu immediately and to cease any further harassment of journalists.