The founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, has visited his colleague Daniel Ojukwu at Kuje Prison in Abuja. Ojukwu is currently remanded there in connection with reports published by FIJ.
Soyombo said Ojukwu remained in good spirits during the visit. “Daniel was his usual ebullient self, full of smiles, unruffled and even cracking jokes,” he stated. He added that he remained concerned about Ojukwu’s long running battle with asthma.
Soyombo disclosed that the Inspector General of Police had regarded him as “at large” and had sought a bench warrant for his arrest to bring him to court. He said this would not be necessary, as he intends to appear voluntarily.
He explained that, as of his statement, he had not yet been served with any criminal charge or proof of evidence, either in person or by other means. After receiving a briefing from FIJ’s lawyers on the court proceedings held on Tuesday, he decided to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 1 December 2026 for his arraignment as the second defendant in the case.
Soyombo noted that the law requires the Inspector General of Police to ensure personal service of the criminal charge and proof of evidence upon him. Although this has not been done, he said he would attend court as a mark of respect for the institution. “A truth teller has nothing to fear or any reason to run,” he stated.
He was accompanied on the visit by Funke Adeoye, founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, and Busola Ajibola, deputy director of journalism at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
Soyombo thanked all those who have supported the campaign under the hashtag FreeDanielOjukwu. He emphasised that the effort to protect the freedom of the press demands relentless courage in the face of adversity, and that no one must give up.
By John James
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