- The Nigerian Army released journalist Fisayo Soyombo after three days of detention, following a media campaign advocating for his freedom
- Soyombo’s arrest was linked to allegations of illegal oil bunkering, but the Foundation for Investigative Journalism criticized the Army’s claims
The Nigerian Army has released Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), after detaining him for three days.
Soyombo’s release followed a widespread media campaign led by the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow, highlighting his detention by the Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
FIJ had earlier reported the journalist’s detention in a social media post, tweeting, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder @fisayosoyombo for 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow.”
The Army, in its response, claimed that Soyombo was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site.
Announcing his release on Friday evening, FIJ stated via X (formerly Twitter), “We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.”
FIJ criticized the Army for what it described as a deliberate mischaracterization, suggesting Soyombo’s alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering. The organization promised to address the Army’s claims in detail later.
FIJ also expressed concerns about Soyombo’s safety, given the sensitive nature of the information shared with the Army during his detention.
It assured the public that it would monitor the situation to ensure his safety was not compromised post-release.