Daniel Ojukwu, a dedicated journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has regained his freedom after enduring a harrowing period in police custody. Ojukwu’s ordeal began on May 1 when he was taken by police officers in Lagos under unclear circumstances.

For two days, his family and the FIJ were left in the dark about his location, until it was discovered that he had been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja. The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police later moved him to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

The conditions for Ojukwu’s bail were initially stringent, but the tide turned when civil society organizations rallied at the Force Headquarters, demanding his immediate release. Their collective voice was heard, and Ojukwu was released on Friday.

Abimbola Ojenike, representing FIJ legally, expressed deep concern over the incident, labeling it “one of the most egregious cases of human rights violation and an abuse of police authority against members of the press.”