11th May, 2024
The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest and detention of Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
The journalist, who was detained by the police for 10 days was released on Friday following protests and calls by media organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
The Police have also come under heavy criticism over the arrest of Ojukwu as many described the action as an attack on the media.
However, in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, the police said Ojukwu was lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd, 2024.”
Adejobi said the reporter was arrested based on a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution upon which he was petitioned for investigations.
He also denied claims that the reporter was denied bail saying the journalist was kept for 10 days because he failed to meetg the conditions set for the bail.
The Police spokesperson said the reporter was eventually released after he provided a reliable surety on Friday “pending the commencement of prosecution at the Federal High Court which has jurisdiction over cyber related crimes.
The statement read in full: “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 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 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 the 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 jeopardizing the legal procedures in the case.”
