Investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, has been released by the Nigerian Army after being detained for three days by the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The release came after a widespread media campaign advocating for Soyombo’s freedom. FIJ confirmed the development in a statement posted on social media on Friday evening.
“We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted,” FIJ announced.
The journalist’s detention was initially disclosed by FIJ, which reported that Soyombo had been held since his arrest at an illegal oil bunkering site. The Nigerian Army had claimed he was apprehended during an operation targeting a notorious gang involved in pipeline sabotage and oil theft. Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, stated that Soyombo was among those arrested at the scene.
However, FIJ refuted the Army’s claims, describing them as a “deliberate mischaracterisation.” The organization plans to address the Army’s statement publicly. FIJ also expressed concerns about Soyombo’s safety following his release, citing the extensive information he had shared with the Army about his investigative fieldwork during his detention.
“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release,” FIJ stated.
The Army’s detention of Soyombo had sparked significant public outcry, with many in the media and human rights communities demanding his immediate release and emphasizing that journalism is not a crime.
