Outcry as Army arrests, detains investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo
…. We arrest him at oil bunkering site – Army
Widespread condemnation has followed the detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist celebrated for exposing corruption and systemic failures, has been held for three consecutive days.
His detention has sparked nationwide calls for his immediate release and intensified concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, November 29, FIJ condemned the detention, describing it as an assault on press freedom.
“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the organisation stated, while calling for Soyombo’s immediate release and urging the military to preserve critical evidence confiscated from him.
“All his devices have been seized. We call on the Nigerian Army to protect this evidence and ensure the truth is not suppressed,” FIJ emphasised.
This incident has added Soyombo to a growing list of journalists detained by security operatives in Nigeria.
Soyombo is no stranger to persecution for his investigative work. In 2021, he was briefly detained after publishing an exposé on police corruption.
The current detention has triggered an outcry across social media platforms, particularly on X, with #FreeFisayoNow gaining traction as Nigerians, rights groups, and activists express outrage.
Amnesty International Nigeria called for his “immediate and unconditional release,” labelling the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned the detention, urging the Nigerian Army to focus on terrorists instead of journalists. “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X.
Similarly, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting described the detention as an attack on press freedom, echoing widespread demands for Soyombo’s release.
Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly ranked Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous countries for journalists in 2024.
In its recent data, Nigeria, placed poorly on the World Press Freedom Index, ranking 115th out of 180 countries.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site.
The army’s statement came in response to public outcry over Soyombo’s detention.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Soyombo had been held in Army custody for the past three days.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ said.
Confirming Soyombo’s arrest in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, explained that the operation leading to Soyombo’s detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.
Danjuma stated that the suspects arrested at the site, including Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.
“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said.
“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish,” he added.
“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, in the region, which will ultimately help increase oil and gas production in the country,” Danjuma concluded.
