After widespread condemnations, the Nigerian Army has bowed to pressure and released investigative journalist and and founder of Foundation For Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo.
This development came following the intense media campaign mounted with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in a post on X on Friday announced that the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had been holding Soyombo, its Founder, for three days.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder @fisayosoyombo for 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the FIJ tweeted.
But on Friday night, FIJ posted on its X handle: “We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in “illegal oil bunkering.”
“FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.
“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 Nigerian Army, in its first confirmation that it was holding the leading investigative journalist, claimed that he was detained alongside “notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections.”
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, in a statement on Friday that Soyombo’s detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.
“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes.
“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.
“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, in the region, which will ultimately help increase oil and gas production in the country.”
