Nigerian Army Frees Investigative Journalist Soyombo

Popular investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has been released by the Nigerian Army.

This was confirmed in a post on X  by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on Friday evening.

FIJ which Soyombo founded said his release followed intense media campaigns calling for his release.

Soyombo was reportedly arrested and detained for three days by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

The Army authorities, through a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, claimed that Soyombo was arrested alongside other suspects at an illegal oil bunkering site.

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“We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted,” FIJ stated via  a post on X, confirming his release by the army authorities.

FIJ described as “deliberate mischaracterization,” Nigerian Army’s attempt to suggest Soyombo’s involvement in “illegal oil bunkering,” by saying he was arrested at a bunkering site, adding that the Foundation will address it appropriately.

The FIJ further stated that their immediate concern is the safety of 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.”

Various groups including the Amnesty International Nigeria, and Wole Soyinka Centre had condemned the detention of Soyombo and called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Soyombo has been notable for his exposure of high profile corruption and theft.