FIJ’s Case: Ojukwu’s Arrest, Investigation Justifiable Under The Law –FPRO

…Says He Has A Case To Answer

By Daniel Dafe

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed 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.

A statement on Friday by
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA, added that “Mr. Ojukwu was lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd 2024.”

The statement continued: “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.

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“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 conclusion of investigations.”

Continuing, the police said that “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 police said.

The Police said they remain steadfast in its duty “to maintain law and order, uphold justice, and safeguard the rights of all citizens,” while urging the public and media outlets to refrain from speculations and undue media trial in order to avoid jeopardizing the legal procedures in the case.

Recall that tolice arrested 26-year-old Ojukwu on May 1 in Lagos.

He was reported missing the following day by his colleagues at Nigeria’s Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), after friends and family were unable to reach him by phone.

FIJ hired private investigators who found his last location before he was arrested, leading journalists to demand answers from Nigerian police.

Police only confirmed his detention on Sunday, days after moving him to the capital, Abuja, where he has been accused of violating the Cybercrime Act, a controversial law that gives the Nigerian government broad powers to regulate perceived online offenses.

It has been criticized by Amnesty International as a means of punishing journalists and undermining the right to freedom of speech.