Prominent Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has been released by the Nigerian Army after days in detention, following widespread public outcry and media scrutiny. Soyombo, renowned for his fearless investigative reports exposing corruption and abuse, was reportedly detained earlier this week by military operatives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The journalist’s release was confirmed on Friday evening in a statement issued by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the media organization Soyombo founded.
“We can confirm that our founder, ‘Fisayo Soyombo, has now been released by the Nigerian Army, following the intense media campaign you all mounted,” the statement read.
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The FIJ, however, expressed grave concerns over Soyombo’s safety, citing potential reprisals from security agencies due to his recent fieldwork. “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,” the FIJ added.
The journalist’s detention sparked condemnation from civil society organizations and international media watchdogs, who described his arrest as an alarming threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Earlier reports indicated that Soyombo was detained at an alleged oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, alongside other suspects. The Nigerian Army had reportedly suggested his involvement in illegal oil bunkering—a claim the FIJ strongly refuted, calling it a deliberate mischaracterization.
The FIJ stated it would issue a comprehensive response to the Army’s allegations, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists in Nigeria and upholding the principles of free speech.
Soyombo’s arrest and subsequent release highlight ongoing tensions between investigative journalism and government institutions in Nigeria, with calls growing louder for enhanced protection for journalists working to expose the truth.
