Soyombo to Face Court Over Defamation Charges as He Visits Detained Colleague

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has said he will go to the Federal High Court in Abuja on 1 December for his arraignment. This is linked to reports published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). He has not yet been officially served with any police charges.

Mr Soyombo made this known on Facebook on Thursday after visiting his colleague, Daniel Ojukwu, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Ojukwu has been held there since his arraignment on Monday in Abuja.

In his Facebook post, Mr Soyombo explained that he decided to appear in court after receiving briefings from FIJ’s lawyers about the case. He mentioned that he had not received the criminal charge or any proof of evidence, either directly or through any other means. Despite this, he stated he would attend the court out of respect for the legal process.

Mr Soyombo also pointed out that the Inspector-General of Police had reportedly labeled him as being at large and had sought a bench warrant for his arrest. "I will be in court," he affirmed, adding that he has no reason to evade the law.

During the visit, Mr Soyombo described Mr Ojukwu as being in good spirits. He noted that Ojukwu was smiling and joking even while in detention. However, he shared his worries about Ojukwu’s ongoing battle with asthma.

Mr Soyombo was joined by Funke Adeoye, who is the founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, and Busola Ajibola, the deputy director of journalism at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

Mr Ojukwu was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Monday. This was ordered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja after he faced 12 counts of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

These charges come from FIJ reports that highlighted alleged irregularities involving Adeojoke Orelope-Adefulire. She is a presidential aide on sustainable development goals and a former deputy governor of Lagos State.

Mr Ojukwu pleaded guilty to all 12 counts. Justice Abdulmalik then ordered him to be held for 21 days initially after ruling that his bail application was not ready for hearing. This application was postponed until 1 December.

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) have condemned Mr Ojukwu's detention. They have called for the charges against him to be dropped.

In separate statements, these organizations questioned the use of criminal laws against journalists who report on government spending and activities. CPJ’s Africa director, Angela Quintal, urged Nigerian authorities to withdraw the charges against both Mr Ojukwu and Mr Soyombo. She also called for the repeal of laws that criminalize journalism.

The CWPPF raised concerns about why Mr Ojukwu should stay in custody until December before his bail application is heard. They argued that the charges are bailable and that keeping him in detention raises questions about the constitutional right to be presumed innocent.

The coalition referenced Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution. These sections affirm the press's duty to hold the government accountable and guarantee freedom of expression.

Mr Ojukwu had been arrested in May 2024 over FIJ reports about the same government office. He was held for 10 days before being released on 10 May due to public pressure.

The current case relates to four FIJ investigations published between November 2023 and January 2024. These reports looked into alleged irregularities in government contracts and spending under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr Soyombo thanked everyone who spoke out against his colleague's detention. He urged them to continue supporting press freedom. "The quest to protect the freedom of the press requires relentless courage in the face of fire; none of us must give up!" he said.