ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Nigerian journalist’s arrest last week has triggered criticism of worsening press freedoms in the West African country.
Daniel Ojukwu with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism went missing last Wednesday in the economic hub of Lagos. His family and employer found out on Friday that he was detained and held in a police station for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, often criticized as a tool for censorship.
The arrest of Ojukwu, who was later transferred to the Nigerian capital of Abuja, follows his report about alleged financial mismanagement of over 147 million naira ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer, the foundation.
Nigeria is ranked 112th out of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. It is known for the country’s tough environment for journalists who face frequent abductions, arrests and prosecution, usually after reporting on chronic corruption and bad governance plaguing the oil-rich country.
New Liberia forest boss plans to increase exports, denies working with war criminal Charles Taylor
Health Ministry admits failings in handling contracts it awarded to firm with links to Peeni Henare
Eli Lilly's new ad says weight
Rogue digital billboard making fun of Waka Kotahi removed
Liam Gallagher rents swanky £17,000
Chinese TV authorities move to curb obsessive fan culture
Arrests made after Lower Hutt siblings hospitalised with severe injuries
Rising costs, working from home blamed for hospitality struggles
Milwaukee election leader ousted 6 months before election in presidential swing state
Childcare subsidies to start from July, families eligible for up to $75 a week
RuPaul's Drag Race Australia judge Rhys Nicholson lists unique Coburg townhouse for $850K
RSV immunisation for babies: Doctors call for urgent access