Police: Cybercrime unit arrested FIJ journalist — a petition was filed against him

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested by the national cybercrime centre in Abuja.

The NPF national cybercrime centre is the police unit established to combat cybercrimes in the country.

Ojukwu has been in custody since May 1 after he was “abducted” by police officers in Lagos.

The family of the journalist and FIJ management were initially not aware of his whereabouts until 48 hours after he was declared missing.

The journalist was not allowed to communicate with his family members and friends as his mobile gadgets were seized.

On Saturday, Ridwan Oke, a human rights lawyer, said Ojukwu requires medical attention.

Giving an update to journalists on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Ojukwu has a case to answer.

Adejobi said a petition was filed against the journalist.

“It has been confirmed that the journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, was arrested by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, based on a petition filed against him,” the force spokesperson said.

“It’s a case of violation of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act 2015 and other extant laws of the land. He has a case to answer. This was confirmed to me on Sunday by the CP and head of the centre.”

Adejobi said the force headquarters will soon address the matter “to clear the grey areas”.

‘JOURNALIST TAKEN TO ABUJA’

In a post published on X, Oke, the lawyer in charge of Ojukwu’s case, said the journalist has been taken to Abuja by the police.

“I can confirm that Daniel was moved to Abuja early this morning. He was allowed to make call and he just spoke with me. He’s currently being held at the “Threat Response Unit of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre”, Abuja. @PoliceNG, nothing must happen to him!,” the lawyer wrote.