Abuja, Nigeria: 13 November, 2026
ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication today released Remanded for Asking, a playbook on the detention of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) journalist Daniel Ojukwu. The playbook calls on the Nigerian government to do more than release one journalist, setting out seven steps, with deadlines, to stop the same sequence from repeating.
Ojukwu was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre on 10 November after pleading not guilty to 12 counts of cyberstalking and criminal defamation. The charges relate to FIJ reports on the reported payment of N147.1 million by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) for classrooms at a Lagos primary school. His bail hearing is on 01 December.
‘Jailing one journalist for asking questions about public money teaches thousands of Nigerians that holding public officials accountable can be dangerous. While we call on the Federal Government to release Daniel, we urge the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the question he asked is answered, and the same tools used against him are not available for use against the next reporter or citizen who dares to ask’, said Onivehu Andah, Executive Director, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication.
The playbook shows that the Attorney-General of the Federation can end this case before 1 December, while the relevant classrooms can be inspected within 30 days. These two actions would send a clear message to Nigerians that questions about public spending deserve answers and that those who ask them should be free to go home.
The playbook also calls on the judiciary to grant bail on liberal terms, on the National Assembly to amend Section 24 with or without an executive bill, and on development partners and Open Government Partnership members to raise the case with the Federal Government.
Photo source: FIJ
Download the playbook here.
About ImpactHouse
ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication is a civil society organisation working to strengthen democratic participation and institutional accountability in Africa. Its platforms include Development Diaries, Zenzile, Tok Am Well, and Pocabulary.
