Abuja-based human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the arrest and detention of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, by the Nigerian Army, saying it was a plot to hide Nigerian Navy’s alleged involvement in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
In a strongly worded press statement titled “Arrest of Fisayo Soyombo: Attempt to Hide Complicity of Navy in Crude Oil Theft,” Adeyanju also described the development as a blatant attack on press freedom and an attempt to stifle accountability.
“I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained for three days. His arrest under the guise of anti-oil theft operations is an attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence his efforts to expose corruption. This detention undermines accountability and must end immediately,” Adeyanju wrote.
Adeyanju also accused the Nigerian Navy of complicity in the large-scale oil theft ravaging the country, suggesting that Fisayo’s arrest might be an effort to cover up the Service’s illegal activities.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity in oil theft. Top-ranking officers often exploit postings to oil-rich regions with the aim to enrich themselves. Without the Navy’s involvement or approval, large-scale oil theft would be impossible, perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage,” Adeyanju alleged.
He further criticised the Army’s actions as an attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress investigative reporting, noting that the seizure of Fisayo’s equipment demonstrates hostility toward transparency.
“Fisayo’s arrest and the seizure of his equipment are clear attempts to intimidate investigative journalism. Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust. His release is critical to upholding democracy and justice,” he added.
Adeyanju called on the federal government, civil society, and media organisations to resist efforts to suppress press freedom.
“I urge the government to respect press freedom and call on civil society, the media, and Nigerians to resist this suppression. Fisayo must be released immediately, and investigative journalism must be protected to expose systemic corruption and safeguard our democracy.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, reported that its founder, Fisayo Soyombo, had been held incommunicado for three days by the Nigerian Army. His devices were reportedly confiscated, raising concerns about press freedom and accountability.
The Nigerian Army confirmed Soyombo’s arrest in a statement on Friday, citing his presence at an alleged illegal oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as the reason for his detention. The Army claimed that Soyombo was apprehended during an anti-oil theft operation targeting a notorious gang of oil thieves.
The arrest has sparked widespread criticism from civil society organisations and the public, with calls for Soyombo’s immediate release growing louder.
Nigeria continued to rank poorly on global press freedom indices. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) placed the country 123rd out of 180 nations in its 2023 report, citing frequent harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violence against journalists.
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