Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the detention of Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), describing it as an assault on press freedom.
In a statement posted on his social media handle on Sunday, Atiku expressed his dismay at the arrest, labeling it both irresponsible and a violation of free press principles. He highlighted the irony of Ojukwu’s detention occurring just 48 hours after a government minister boasted about the administration’s track record of not incarcerating journalists.
Atiku suggested a connection between Ojukwu’s arrest and his investigative work, particularly his recent exposé on an alleged high-profile smuggler with ties to top officials. He also referenced previous arrests of journalists, including Segun Olatunji of FirstNews Newspaper and Chinonso Uba of Oziza FM Radio, criticizing the government’s growing tendency to suppress the press.
The former Vice President emphasized that arresting journalists for exposing government wrongdoing is not only irresponsible but also a violation of constitutionally guaranteed press freedom. He pointed out the irony of Ojukwu’s arrest occurring shortly after World Press Freedom Day, underscoring the Tinubu administration’s approach to press freedom.
Atiku called on relevant authorities to release Ojukwu immediately, emphasizing the importance of upholding press freedom in a democratic society.