The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) clarified that Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was not involved in the detention of journalist Daniel Ojukwu from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that a competent team led by a commissioner of police is handling the case.
Ojukwu was initially detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lagos and is currently held at the Threat Response Unit of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja, according to FIJ. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the arrest, pointing out the importance of press freedom and calling for Ojukwu’s release.
Atiku highlighted the journalism work of FIJ in exposing alleged high-profile smugglers connected to top government officials. He emphasized the need to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed Free Press and criticized the Tinubu administration for the arrest. He urged relevant authorities to release Ojukwu promptly in respect of press freedom.