The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a police application seeking a bench warrant for 'Fisayo Soyombo, the leader of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism. The legal move forms part of a multi-count suit involving allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation leveled against Mr Soyombo and another reporter.
Prosecution lawyers approached Justice Joyce Abdulmalik for the warrant after failing to formally serve court documents on Mr Soyombo. However, the presiding judge rejected the request, noting that the defendant had not yet been presented before her court to justify the invocation of such judicial powers.
During Tuesday's court session, co-defendant Daniel Ojukwu was brought before the bench for his arraignment. Mr Ojukwu entered a plea of not guilty to the 12-count charge filed against him and Mr Soyombo. Following the plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Mr Ojukwu be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
What are the allegations against the journalists?
The legal charges stem from a series of investigative pieces published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism between November 2023 and January 2024. These reports examined the administrative activities of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals under Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Specific reports questioned financial disbursements, including N147.1 million allocated to a restaurant for building classrooms at Ajeromi Primary School in Lagos, a N47.5 million contract awarded to Tru3 Nigeria Limited, forfeited funds linked to the SDGs office, and defective solar installations in Ogun State schools. Police prosecutors claimed the defendants conspired to publish false statements intended to defame Ms Orelope-Adefulire.
How did the defence respond to the proceedings?
Legal counsel representing the defendants, Oluseye Moore, argued that both journalists had previously been granted administrative police bail during the investigative phase. Mr Moore maintained that law enforcement agencies bear the responsibility of ensuring defendants attend court until formal charges are filed and formal bail conditions are established by a judge. Defence attorneys also noted that a separate application had been submitted to allow service of court papers on Mr Soyombo through electronic means.
In the case of Mr Ojukwu, defense lawyer Atanda Kayode informed the court that a formal bail application had already been submitted. Nevertheless, Justice Abdulmalik declined to review the bail request, stating it was premature since the documentation was only filed a day earlier. The court subsequently set 1 December for the hearing of the bail application.
Background on previous detentions
Mr Ojukwu's legal troubles include a prior detention in May 2024, during which he spent 10 days in police custody across Lagos and Abuja following public advocacy and civil pressure regarding his disappearance. With the court proceedings now adjourned, Mr Soyombo is expected to appear alongside his co- accused when the matter resumes on 1 December.