Abuja, FCT — A Federal High Court in Abuja remanded Foundation for Investigative (FIJ) Journalism reporter Daniel Ojukwu at Kuje Correctional Centre on November 10.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered his remand after Ojukwu pleaded not guilty to 12 counts involving alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
The prosecution was brought by the Nigeria Police Force in a case also naming FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo.
The charges relate to FIJ reports about Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and government-funded projects overseen by her office.
Ojukwu’s lawyer asked the court to let him remain on police administrative bail, but the judge declined.
The judge said Ojukwu’s fresh bail application was not ready for hearing and adjourned it until December 1, 2026.
That pending application—not a conviction—means Ojukwu remains in custody until the court considers bail.
Who is Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire?
Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is a Nigerian politician and public servant who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals.
She previously served as Lagos State deputy governor from 2011 to 2015 and commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from 2003 to 2011.
She has a sociology degree and a diploma in social work.
She is currently at the centre of a legal case over investigative reports by FIJ about public spending on school projects.
The police charged journalist Daniel Ojukwu and FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo; the allegations have not been proven in court.
Ojukwu: Reports questioned classroom project payments
FIJ’s November 2023 investigation alleged that ₦147.1 million for classroom and skills-acquisition projects was paid to Enseno Global Ventures, a company it described as operating as a restaurant.
The report questioned how the contractor was selected, its construction experience, and why projects initially associated with Ajeromi Primary School were reportedly moved elsewhere.
FIJ said its reporting included site visits, interviews, and requests for information from the relevant government office.
The publication also reported that the office had not answered its questions before the story appeared.
The allegations concern the procurement and execution of public projects; they do not establish that Orelope-Adefulire personally diverted funds.
The prosecution’s charge sheet alleges that some articles placed her in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm.
Those are prosecutorial allegations, and the court has not determined whether the articles were defamatory or criminal.
Police prosecution followed a complaint linked to aide
The online post says Orelope-Adefulire sued Ojukwu through a government NGO, but the current criminal case is formally titled against the Inspector-General of Police.
The charge sheet identifies the former Inspector-General as complainant and Ojukwu and Soyombo as defendants.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported in 2024 that a complaint was filed on Orelope-Adefulire’s behalf by United Action for Change, citing FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo.
That reported complaint preceded the police investigation and prosecution; it is not the same as Orelope-Adefulire personally bringing the current criminal charge.
Orelope-Adefulire served as an aide on Sustainable Development Goals under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was retained in the role by President Bola Tinubu.
The charge sheet relates to reports published while she held that office.
The available court coverage does not establish that the NGO filed the prosecution or directly asked the judge to remand Ojukwu.
Ojukwu was detained for ten days in 2024
The remand revives scrutiny of Ojukwu’s earlier detention over the same reporting.
Police arrested him on May 1, 2024, and held him for ten days before releasing him after public criticism and pressure from rights advocates.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that the complaint connected to his arrest was made on Orelope-Adefulire’s behalf.
The present court proceeding is a new stage of the case, with Ojukwu formally arraigned on the 12-count charge.
He has denied the charges by pleading not guilty.
His bail hearing is scheduled for December 1, while the court case continues.
The viral post’s central link between the reporting and the prosecution is supported by case coverage.
