MONROVIA, November 13, 2026 — The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has called for the immediate release of Nigerian investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, describing his detention on cybercrime and criminal defamation charges as a threat to press freedom and independent journalism.
In a statement issued Thursday, November 12, WAES expressed concern over the decision of a federal court in Abuja, Nigeria, to remand Ojukwu, a correspondent with the privately owned Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), to the Kuje Custodial Centre until December 1, 2026.
According to the statement, Ojukwu appeared before the court on November 10 and pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of cybercrime and criminal defamation.
The organization disclosed that FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo, who reportedly faces similar charges, was absent from the hearing but is expected to appear at the next court session.
WAES Interim President Emmanuel K. Dogbevi criticized the prosecution, warning that the use of criminal charges against journalists over their reporting undermines press freedom and democratic accountability.
“It is disturbing that Nigeria, a country with a history of remarkable journalism, press freedom and good governance, has descended into this trend of punishing journalists who are only doing their work,” the statement said.
The regional editors’ organization urged Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect journalists’ rights to investigate and hold public officials accountable.
WAES maintained that journalism has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic development and international reputation, warning that actions against media practitioners could undermine those achievements.
“We are therefore calling on the authorities to immediately drop all charges against Ojukwu and release him from custody, because journalism is not a crime,” Dogbevi declared.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists across West Africa.
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