Soyombo Hails Netizens For Championing His Freedom From Army’s Detention

Investigative Journalist and founder of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, has appreciated Nigerians for spearheading his freedom after a three-day detention at the facility of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

LEADERSHIP reports that Soyombo, according to FIJ, was arrested in Rivers State and held incommunicado for three days by the Army authorities until Friday evening. However, the Army said it arrested the Investigative Journalist when its troops swooped on suspected oil thieves at an illegal oil bunkering site in the State.

FIJ later on Friday evening confirmed Soyombo’s release from detention without any condition attached.

Meanwhile, taking to his social media handles on Saturday morning, the Investigative Journalist hailed Nigerians for his freedom following their social media campaign, saying netizens’ action actually shortened his ordeal.

He alluded to the common phrase that “Nigerians are not worth fighting for”, however, noting that, “I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it.”

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Soyombo wrote: “Yesterday, you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by HQ Nigerian Army lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.

“After my arrest at about 2am on Wednesday, I was grilled by different levels of the Army until deep into the night. I didn’t return to my cell until at least 11pm on Wednesday. My case was then forwarded to a superior office that was to interrogate me on Thursday.

“Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful; from morning until night, this office never sent for me. I soon learnt the Army would take “as long as it wanted” to conduct their “investigation” just to establish that I was indeed an investigative journalist.

“To my utmost surprise, on Friday morning, at about 11am or thereabouts, I was retrieved from my cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). It was during the transfer that someone who ran into me asked to know my name, after which they said: “You’re the one; you’re in the news.”

“Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilisation and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you!”