Investigative Journalist @fijnigeria | Researcher
Nigeria
Joined August 2015
- Tweets28.6K
- Following989
- Followers2.6K
- Likes67.1K
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
Journalism is not a crime. Free Daniel Ojukwu now!
A journalist should not be made to pay for asking questions, investigating public expenditure or holding power to account.
@Mazi_OJD of @fijnigeria is currently being held at the Kuje Custodial Centre following his remand by a Federal High Court in Abuja over 12 counts connected to investigative reports on public spending.
His bail hearing has been adjourned until 1 December 2026.
At PLSI, we believe that a free press is indispensable to a transparent and accountable society. Journalists play a critical role in uncovering issues of public interest, strengthening civic participation and ensuring that those entrusted with public resources answer to the people.
The use of criminal prosecution in response to investigative reporting raises serious concerns about press freedom and the chilling effect it can have on journalists and the wider civic space.
We call for Daniel Ojukwu's immediate release and an end to the prosecution of journalists for carrying out legitimate public-interest reporting.
Silencing journalists does not serve the public. It weakens accountability and the people's right to know.
#FreeDanielOjukwu #JournalismIsNotACrime
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
Press Statement: WSCIJ Demands Immediate Release of FIJ Journalist Daniel Ojukwu, Condemns Harassment of Journalists by State Actors
The world marked November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, reaffirming the need to end attacks on journalists and ensure accountability for violations against press freedom. Yet, barely eight days later, Daniel Ojukwu (@Mazi_OJD), a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (@fijnigeria), was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, over charges arising from his investigative reports.
WSCIJ strongly condemns Ojukwu's continued harassment and detention and demands his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime, and investigating matters of public interest should never be grounds for intimidation, assault or deprivation of liberty. Ending impunity must mean protecting journalists in practice, not merely commemorating the day.
Ojukwu's case is particularly troubling given his history of repeated arrests, assaults, detention and harassment by state actors in connection with his journalistic work. Our 2025 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report captured his ordeal while he shared more during our August Journalism and Society Conversation.
On Tuesday, November 10, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) launched the Policy Brief building on from the report, renewing its advocacy for a safer civic space, stronger protection for journalists and an end to impunity for attacks against the press. Ojukwu's latest arrest and detention underscore the urgent need to translate these commitments into concrete action rather than allow journalists to continue facing intimidation and reprisals for holding power accountable.
Daniel Ojukwu must be released.
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
E-JUST TICAD9 African Scholarship for STI – Fall 2027
TICAD9 Scholarships are available for applicants who wish to pursue their M.Sc. degree or Ph.D. degree for the Fall 2027 semester in the fields of Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Basic and Applied Sciences, International Business and Humanities.
Details: opd.to/3XnUn4V | Deadline: Unspecified
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
In the recent charge sheet obtained by the media, Daniel faced a 12-count charge, including what was described as cyber stalking, harassing the senior special assistant and putting her in fear of death, fear of bodily harm and criminal defamation, among other charges. Daniel appeared in court on Nov. 10, facing charges from 2024. The journalist pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts.
#FreeDanielOjukwu
humanglemedia.com/fij-journa…
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
It may not always feel like it, but much of the work you do, and the way you choose to stand tall despite the pressure, are helping lay the foundation for what investigative journalism can become in Nigeria.
A day will come when our laws and institutions better protect journalists like you.
I just came out of Kuje Prison where I visited my colleague @Mazi_OJD, who is currently remanded in the prison over @fijnigeria’s reports.
Daniel was his usual ebullient self, full of smiles, unruffled and even cracking jokes. I do worry for him, though, knowing his long-running battle with asthma.
I understand that the Inspector General of Police deemed me “at large” and asked for a bench warrant to arrest me and bring me to court. That won’t be necessary; I’m coming to court.
As of this moment, I have not yet been served any criminal charge or proof of evidence, either personally or by other substituted means. However, after being briefed by @fijnigeria’s lawyers on Tuesday’s court proceedings, I have decided to appear before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on December 1, 2026 for my arraignment as the second defendant in the case.
The law requires the IGP to ensure personal service of the Criminal Charge and Proof of Evidence on me; this has not been done but I will appear in court as a show of respect for the court. A truthteller has nothing to fear or any reason to run.
With me on the visit to Daniel were @thefunkeadeoye, founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, and @busola_ajibola, deputy director, journalism, at CJID.
We thank everyone who has lent their voice to #FreeDanielOjukwu. The quest to protect the freedom of the press requires relentless courage in the face of fire; none of us must give up!
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
If Nigerian public officials spend half the energy they use in massaging their ego & pursuing squashy defamation cases, to actually deliver governance with probity, the country will be better for it — & this trend #FreeDanielOjukwu will not happen.
An embarrassing state failure.
#FreeDanielOjukwu
Today, @Mazi_OJD’s rights have once again come under attack for following public money and asking questions about how it was spent.
@Mazi_OJD is an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and a 2023 participant in BudgIT’s GovSpend Media Fellowship, an initiative designed to strengthen accountability journalism by equipping journalists to investigate government expenditure and track public funds.
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#Journalismisnotacrime
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
My fellow Nigerian friends on this space! Please don’t scroll past! Join in this call to #FreeDanielOjukwu in my years as a journalist, I can say without an ounce of doubt that there are very few thorough journalists in this country.. and among them.. even fewer, are as as selfless as they are thorough! The @fijnigeria is one of the really few media houses in this country that give hope to many Nigerians! The platform has earned its place as a media with the true desire to evolve a patriotic nation where justice and accountability matter! @Mazi_OJD’s detention is an attack, not only on press freedom, but on the very struggle to keep our leaders accountable! His post here, two days ago, when he was detained read “for God and for Country” those were not mare statements.. they are the driving force that keep motivating the FIJ and its founder @fisayosoyombo to do what they do! And in the interest of accountability, let us keep the call for Daniel’s release!! @kinguche011 @ebitt @FrUgochukwu @chidinma_mma @franksdonald @FriarEmma1 @DrJHHyat @UcheMaryOkoli @SaviourChika @TochyOnyetube @AfamBuJiggy @Ibe14Ibe @godwinnzekwe_ @ChiefLyffBoxx @onyinyeofficial @frmarcellinus @Dorah143 @isikhuemen1 @PadreNohell @omaonuhs @bede_official @Bee_Okaks @bluprint7g
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
Daniel should be pursuing his next accountability story but they’re wasting his time & resources of his news platform.
If you do everything right but fail on free press, you’re still a failed nation. Even the most successful nations know this let alone a country like ours.
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
#FreeDanielOjukwu. And Nigerian government should stop haunting the entire @fijnigeria team over squashy defamation lawsuits.
PRESS RELEASE
YouthCo Condemns Remand of Journalist Daniel Ojukwu and Demands His Release and the Withdrawal of the Charges.
On 10 November 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja remanded Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism at Kuje Correctional Centre. His case is a 12-count charge of cyberstalking and criminal defamation over reports he wrote in 2023 on how a public office spent money. He pleaded not guilty. His bail hearing is not until 1 December, which means 21 days in custody first.
Reporting on a government contract is not stalking anyone. The Constitution protects free expression and presumes every accused person innocent; if a reporter can be jailed for a spending story, who will dare to speak up? Anyone who feels wronged by a report can respond or go to civil court. Prison should never be the answer.
YouthCo demands Daniel Ojukwu be released on bail now, the charges withdrawn, and that the Cybercrimes Act not be used against journalists.
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
Journalism is not a crime. The right to report, question and hold power accountable should never be criminalised.
Ojukwu Daniel deserves his freedom. We see his work, we recognise his courage, and we stand with him.
FREE OJUKWU DANIEL!
#FreeOjukwuDaniel #JournalismIsNotACrime
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
The trial of @Mazi_OJD is a travesty of justice. It is an affront and attack of #PressFreedom and should be condemned all right thinking persons. Its another example of crooked use of #CyberCrimeAct against the media. I also think it is an attack on the Nigerian Constitution. – at Karu, Nigeria
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
“Without facts, you can't have truth. Without truth, you can't have trust... and we cannot have democracy.” — Nobel laureate Maria Ressa.
Journalism is not a crime. Free Daniel Ojukwu!
#FreeDanielOjukwuNow
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
CPJ asks police to drop cybercrime charges against Daniel Ojukwu
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has asked the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to immediately drop the alleged cybercrime charges filed against Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
The organisation also called on the Nigerian authorities to repeal the cybercrime law used to criminalise journalism.
thecable.ng/cpj-asks-police-…
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
In 2024, @Mazi_OJD of @fijnigeria
spent 10 days in detention for exposing how N147M meant for classrooms was paid to a restaurant. Years later, he is back in prison over the same reporting.
Another worrying case of cybercrime laws weaponised to criminalise journalism in W/A.
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
Citizens' Gavel joins well-meaning Nigerians in calling for the Immediate Release of Journalist Daniel Ojukwu, an Independent Inquiry into Questioned Public Expenditures and Reforms to Protect Press Freedom.
#FreeDanielOjukwu
#JournalismIsNotACrime
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
The continued detention of investigative journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, is deeply concerning and a threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Journalism is not a crime. Reporting on matters of public interest must not attract intimidation or disproportionate criminal sanctions.
We call for his immediate release and urge the relevant authorities to respect freedom of expression, protect press freedom and ensure that the criminal justice system is never weaponised against journalists.
Free Daniel Ojukwu. Journalism is not a crime.
#FreeDanielOjukwu #PressFreedom #Journalismisnotacrime
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
A journalist reported how a public office spent public money. Now he is in Kuje prison.
Journalism is not a crime!
#FreeDanielOjukwu
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
#FreeDanielOjukwu a Nigerian journalist that does impressive work. This is a threat to ALL of us
Emmanuel Uti retweeted
The detention of @Mazi_OJD is not just an attack on one journalist, it raises troubling questions about the shrinking space in Nigeria.
Authorities must ensure that journalists can hold power accountable without fear of arbitrary detention.
#FreeDanielOjukwu #PressFreedom
This is today? What the heck! This is one of the foremost journalists holding the government and police accountable in Nigeria.
He has now been remanded to prison. APC has turned our country into a dictatorship. Free @Mazi_OJD #Journalismisnotacrime