Protesters storm Force Headquarters, demand release of detained journalist

Hundreds of protesters including journalists, activists, leaders of civil society organisations, on Thursday morning stormed Force Headquarters, Abuja, to protest against continued detention of a journalist with Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu. The angry protesters, led by the country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odey, demanded immediate release of Ojukwu, saying his […]

Hundreds of protesters including journalists, activists, leaders of civil society organisations, on Thursday morning stormed Force Headquarters, Abuja, to protest against continued detention of a journalist with Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu.

The angry protesters, led by the country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odey, demanded immediate release of Ojukwu, saying his continued detention was equivalent to an extrajudicial trial and punishment.

“We also condemn the incessant use and abuse of the remand order process, which is observed to be the new machinery for which the Nigeria Police continuously violates the rights of Nigeria citizens.

“It is discovered that the police boast of obtaining a remand order without providing such a document for the suspect or his lawyers to see whenever they unlawfully arrest individuals,” the activist said.

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Daily Trust had reported how the Nigeria Police Force failed to release the detained journalist after 7 days despite outcry nationwide.

He was moved to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday.

More details soon…