After weeks of protests and outcry, the police have finally announced that journalist Daniel Ojukwu will be released from detention soon. Ojukwu was arrested on May 1st for allegedly violating Nigeria's cybercrime law, but many believe his arrest was a crackdown on press freedom.
According to Vanguard, the police commissioner in Abuja, Ben Igweh, Ojukwu's case has been reviewed and he will be set free. While we don't know exactly when this will happen, it's a welcome development for those who have been calling for his release.
Igweh also reminded journalists that they aren't above the law and can be arrested and prosecuted if they break the rules. But many see Ojukwu's detention as an attack on press freedom and a sign of a shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
Human rights groups and protesters have been vocal in demanding Ojukwu's release, and it looks like their efforts have paid off. Friday Odeh from Accountability Lab spoke on behalf of the protesters, calling for Ojukwu's immediate release and an end to the harassment of journalists and civic actors.
Ojukwu's detention has sparked outrage among many who see it as an attempt to silence critical voices in the media. But with the police's announcement, there's hope that he'll be back to doing what he does best - holding those in power accountable.