FIJ Founder Fisayo Soyombo to Face Court Over Defamation Charges
Journalist commits to court appearance despite lack of formal service regarding criminal charges.
1Voluntary Court Appearance
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has announced his intention to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 1. Despite not being formally served with police charges, he stated he will attend the proceedings out of respect for the judiciary, refuting claims that he is currently at large.
2Detention of Daniel Ojukwu
Soyombo recently visited his colleague, Daniel Ojukwu, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Ojukwu has been held in custody since his arraignment on Monday, facing 12 counts of cyberstalking and criminal defamation. Despite the challenging circumstances of his detention, Ojukwu remains in good spirits, though concerns persist regarding his health condition.
3Legal Proceedings and Bail
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered Ojukwu’s remand for 21 days after his initial arraignment. The court ruled that his bail application was not yet ripe for hearing, adjourning the matter until December 1. This delay has sparked significant criticism regarding the judicial process and the handling of bailable offenses for journalists.
4Origin of the Charges
The criminal charges stem from investigative reports published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism between November 2023 and January 2024. These articles examined alleged irregularities in government contracts and expenditure under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, specifically involving Adeojoke Orelope-Adefulire.
5Advocacy and Press Freedom
Prominent organizations, including the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the detention. They argue that using criminal laws to target journalists reporting on public spending undermines democratic accountability. These groups are actively calling for the withdrawal of all charges against both journalists.
6Constitutional and Legal Concerns
The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom highlights that Ojukwu’s continued detention violates the constitutional presumption of innocence. Citing Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, the coalition emphasizes the media's essential role in holding government officials accountable and the fundamental right to freedom of expression in Nigeria.
7History of Previous Arrests
This legal action follows a previous arrest of Daniel Ojukwu in May 2024, which also related to FIJ reports on the same government office. He spent 10 days in police custody before his release, which occurred following intense public pressure. The current prosecution represents an escalation in the government's response to investigations.
8Commitment to Investigative Reporting
Fisayo Soyombo has urged supporters to remain steadfast in defending press freedom despite the ongoing legal threats. He emphasized that protecting the integrity of journalism requires relentless courage when facing state pressure. His upcoming court appearance serves as a pivotal moment for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Nigerian media practitioners.