Rita Odafe
Fisayo Soyombo’s Release from Detention
Fisayo Soyombo, a prominent Nigerian investigative journalist and the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has spoken out following his brief detention by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division due to alleged links to illegal oil bunkering activities.
Earlier, the FIJ raised concerns about Soyombo’s arrest in Port Harcourt, located in Rivers State.
In a clarification released on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed that the journalist was taken into custody along with other suspects found at an illegal oil site.
Amid public outcry, the army released Soyombo on Friday night.
On Saturday, Soyombo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian public for their support. In his statement, he remarked, “My freedom today is a result of your advocacy through #FreeFisayoNow and the coverage by traditional media. I genuinely appreciate your efforts.
“After my arrest around 2am on Wednesday, I underwent intense questioning until late that night, returning to my cell at around 11pm. My case was then escalated for additional interrogation the next day.
“However, Thursday was surprisingly quiet; I was not called for questioning at all, and I soon realized that the army could prolong their ‘investigation’ indefinitely to verify my identity as a journalist.
“To my astonishment, on Friday around 11am, I was taken from my cell for a transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). During this transfer, someone recognized me and mentioned that I was making headlines.
“Had it not been for your advocacy, I would likely still be confined in that cell, cut off from the outside world. Hence, your triumph is my triumph. This achievement belongs to all of you. Thank you!”
“Nigerians are not worth fighting for.” I hear that phrase often and have always disagreed. Yesterday, you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by @HQNigerianArmy lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements…
— ‘Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) November 30, 2024
