Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the detention of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter, Daniel Ojukwu, describing the 21-day wait for his bail hearing as an unacceptable restriction on personal liberty.
Sowore called for Ojukwu’s immediate release after the journalist was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, following his arraignment on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including cyberstalking.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered that Ojukwu remain in custody until December 1, 2026, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account, Sowore questioned why a defendant who had appeared before the court and pleaded not guilty should remain in prison for weeks while waiting for an opportunity to argue his bail application.
He argued that the decision raised concerns about the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to personal liberty.
The activist also criticised what he described as a growing practice of prolonged detention while bail applications await hearing, warning that such delays could turn the bail process into a form of punishment before conviction.
Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts brought against him. The case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/486/2024, with former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, listed as the complainant.
The journalist and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, are named as defendants in the charge, which was dated December 19, 2024.
The prosecution alleged that the journalists conspired to commit cyberstalking through reports published on the FIJ website concerning former presidential aide, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
One of the counts relates to an investigative report published on November 7, 2023, which questioned a reported payment of ₦17.1 million to a restaurant for the construction of classrooms in Lagos shortly before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
According to the prosecution, the publications allegedly placed Orelope-Adefulire in fear of death, violence or bodily harm. These claims are allegations contained in the charge and have not been established by the court.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Ojukwu’s lawyers asked the court to allow him to remain on his earlier administrative bail, arguing that he had not violated its conditions.
The court declined the request, noting that the charge had been served on him long before the bail application was filed on Monday and was not yet ready for hearing.
The prosecution also informed the court that Soyombo was at large and requested a bench warrant for his arrest. Justice Abdulmalik rejected the request, explaining that the second defendant had not previously been brought before the court.
Ojukwu’s latest detention comes more than two years after his arrest by police operatives on May 1, 2024, over reports concerning the same former presidential aide.
He was held for 10 days, initially at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos, before being transferred to the police National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. He was eventually released following public protests.
Sowore has also called for greater scrutiny of the activities of the police National Cybercrime Centre and the handling of cases involving journalists and online publications.
He maintained that the courts should protect citizens against arbitrary detention and ensure that judicial procedures do not undermine fundamental rights.
The case has renewed debate about the balance between enforcing cybercrime laws and protecting journalists who investigate public spending and the activities of public officials.