The 2023 GovSpend Media Fellowship has expressed concern over the abduction and arrest of Daniel Ojukwu, an Investigative Journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and a member of the GovSpend Media Fellowship, an initiative of BudgIT dedicated to promoting accountability and transparency in government expenditures.
Just like his family and friends, our community was shocked by Daniel’s sudden disappearance on May 1, 2024, without any prior communication.
The Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) abducted and unlawfully detained Daniel Ojukwu and denied him access to legal representation and communication for several days. Such actions are unacceptable and violates the fundamental human rights enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and several sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).
It is troubling that the authorities have disregarded the constitution they swore to uphold by subjecting Daniel to false imprisonment. These actions go against the purported image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, especially coming on the heels of World Press Freedom Day.
Daniel Ojukwu’s investigative work, along with that of other GovSpend fellows, has been instrumental in uncovering corruption across various levels of government, potentially saving the federal government a significant amount of public funds; thus, the efforts to promote accountability and transparency in government expenditures should be commended, not persecuted.
Findings revealed that Daniel Ojukwu’s abduction is connected to a recent investigative report conducted under BudgIT’s GovSpend Media Fellowship. The report, part of a series produced by 12 other fellows, exposed discrepancies in government expenditure and violations of the Procurement Acts in executing federal government projects in Lagos and Ogun States.
Specifically, Daniel explored the data provided by the Federal Government on the National Open Treasury Portal to expose violations of the laws by the office of Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs). It has also been reported that Muiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Former National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), submitted the petition leading to the abduction of Daniel Ojukwu by the Nigerian Police Force.
We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene immediately and instruct the Inspector General of Police to release Daniel Ojukwu without delay. Furthermore, we encourage the authorities to cease their unconstitutional actions and respect the rights of journalists and whistleblowers in Nigeria. We condemn this gross violation of human rights and all unjust actions targeted at journalists for their commitment to truth and transparency.
This statement is signed by:
Abubakar Kankara, Daily Episode
Alfred Ajayi, Radio Nigeria
Aminah Salako-Adekunle, Radio Nigeria
Aminu Naganye, Wikki Times
Arinze Chijioke, Ripples Nigeria
Blessing Udeobasi, FIJ
Godwin Agwam, TVC
Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa, BudgIT Foundation
James Ojo, Legit.ng
Jamiu Folarin, Rock City FM
Johnstone Kpilaakaa, Bendada.com
Sunday Elom, Sahara Reporters
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