The Nigerian Army has detained renowned investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested on November 26, 2024, by troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
FIJ has condemned his detention, describing it as a direct attack on press freedom.
“Journalism is not a crime!” the organization declared on its X handle, urging for Soyombo’s immediate release with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow.
According to FIJ, Soyombo’s devices have been seized, leading to further concerns about the integrity of his journalistic work and evidence.
“We insist the truth must come out. It’s in your custody, don’t destroy the evidence,” the statement said, calling for the preservation of his materials.
Soyombo’s arrest has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the military’s actions as an infringement on freedom of the press.
However, the Nigerian Army has defended the detention, claiming it was unrelated to Soyombo’s journalistic work.
Army Justifies Detention as Part of Anti-Oil Bunkering Operations
In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the Army explained that Soyombo’s arrest occurred during an operation targeting illegal oil bunkering activities.
The Army’s statement claimed that Soyombo was detained at an illegal oil bunkering site during a raid aimed at tackling oil theft in the region.
“The 6 Division Nigerian Army has been intensifying operations against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the region,” the statement read.
“Recent intelligence led to the discovery of a notorious gang involved in illegal oil activities. During the operation, multiple arrests were made, including that of Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene,” it continued.
The Army emphasized that Soyombo is undergoing preliminary investigations to determine his involvement in the illegal activities.
The statement also refuted claims that his arrest was connected to his journalistic work, calling the allegations “baseless.”
“The arrest is directly linked to anti-oil theft operations. Any suggestion otherwise is false,” the Army asserted.
The military also urged media outlets to verify the accuracy of reports before disseminating them.
Despite the Army’s explanation, the details surrounding Soyombo’s detention have raised serious questions about the broader implications for press freedom in Nigeria.
Soyombo’s Previous Investigative Work and Legal Struggles
Soyombo is well-known for his fearless investigative journalism, often exposing corruption and systemic failures within the Nigerian government.
This is not the first time Soyombo has faced legal and physical intimidation due to his work.
His reports have frequently targeted powerful individuals and institutions, including the Nigerian Customs Service, which he recently accused of being involved in smuggling rice, arms, and other contraband into the country.
Soyombo’s exposé on the Customs revealed how smugglers could easily bring goods into Nigeria as long as they paid bribes to Customs officials.
The investigative journalist also uncovered that the Nigerian Customs only publishes the names of smugglers who refuse to comply with bribe demands, suggesting widespread corruption within the service.
These reports have made Soyombo a target of scrutiny from powerful figures, and this latest detention has only fueled concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
FIJ Calls for Immediate Release and Preservation of Evidence
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism has been vocal about Soyombo’s detention, calling for his immediate release and the preservation of his journalistic work.
In a statement, FIJ called on the Nigerian Army to “preserve the evidence and truth” contained in Soyombo’s seized devices.
The organization further warned against the destruction of any evidence, emphasizing that Soyombo’s work was vital to uncovering the truth.
“Don’t destroy the evidence. The truth must come out,” the statement declared.
FIJ has also demanded that Soyombo be treated fairly, and his rights as a journalist be respected.