CSOs and Sowore Protest at Nigeria Police Headquarters in Abuja, Urging Release of Detained FIJ Journalist, Ojukwu

A coalition of civil society groups, such as the Action Group for the Protection of Civic Actors and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, recently protested at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the release of journalist Daniel Ojukwu. They voiced concerns about press freedom and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, pledging to occupy the building until the journalist is freed.

The Action Group on the Protection of Civic Actors, a Nigerian coalition of media and civil society groups, stressed the significance of a free press and public involvement in democracy. They argued that the ongoing suppression of journalists and civic actors undermines Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which ensure freedom of the press and expression.

The coalition denounced Ojukwu’s abduction and unlawful detention as unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, and unbecoming for a country that professes democracy. They insisted that for Nigeria to maintain its reputation as the largest democracy in Africa, its institutions and law enforcement agencies must adhere to established standards and procedures in line with democratic principles.

Sowore urged the police chief to immediately release the journalist or face nationwide protests. He referenced the amendment of the Cybercrime Act 2015 by the National Assembly, asserting that the police lack the authority to charge any Nigerian, including journalists, with cyberstalking.

The coalition comprises organizations like Enough is Enough Nigeria, Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Invictus Africa, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Global Rights, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dataphyte, Gatefield, and BudgIT Foundation.