The website of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has been taken down after the platform published a report exposing bribe-seeking officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
FIJ had reported that some officials of the NDLEA are demanding a bribe of N150,000 from a shipping agent before releasing a harmless parcel containing drugs and driver’s extract, confiscated by the officers.
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However, instead of exonerating themselves, the corrupt officers falsely reported the website as copyright infringement to web hosting providers, WhoGoHost, who immediately suspended its website on Monday.
After noticing the suspension, FIJ contacted Toba Obaniyi, owner of the web host and addressed the matter.
“The FIJ has full copyright in the published articles and it is about officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) demanding a bribe of N150,000 before releasing a harmless parcel containing drugs and driver’s extract that they had confiscated.
“That Shully Export, the shipping agent who handled the parcel had come to FIJ saying NDLEA officials had told her the parcel would only be released if FIJ pulled the story down. FIJ did not budge, instead we asked the NDLEA to do the right thing by releasing the parcel,” a statement by the platform’s editorial team read.
The platform expressed dismay that the web hosting domain instead of allowing justice to prevail and checkmate corrupt practices, aligned itself with the corrupt NDLEA officials thus truncating press freedom.
Yawale Adamu is an investigative reporter driven by a passion for accountability and purposeful leadership.
He specializes in crafting compelling stories in both English and Hausa, with a focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized and underreported communities, offering hope and advocating for justice through his reportage.
Experience
With over a decade of experience, Yawale has produced numerous investigative stories that uncovered corruption, abuse of power, and mismanagement of public funds. From 2012 to 2022, he also served as a newscaster and translator at BRC FM Misau.
Awards
Yawale was honored as the Best Reporter of the Year at BRC FM Misau for the 2012–2013 period, reflecting his dedication and impact in the field of journalism.
