The Nigerian Army has released Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), after detaining him for three days.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Soyombo was arrested by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to a statement by the FIJ, his arrest was effected at what the military described as “an illegal oil bunkering site.”
However, the FIJ confirmed the news of Soyombo’s release on its official X handle, stating, “We can confirm that our founder, @fisayosoyombo, has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.”
The FIJ, however, dismissed the Army’s allegations against Soyombo, describing them as an attempt to misrepresent Soyombo’s fieldwork.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in ‘illegal oil bunkering.’ FIJ will also address this statement appropriately,” it stated.
The media organisation also expressed concerns about Soyombo’s safety in light of the sensitive information he shared with the Army during his detention and interrogation.
“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.”
