Nigerian Army Illegally Detains FIJ EIC, Fisayo Soyombo for Three Days Stretch, Public Seeks Freedom
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has illegally detained Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in detention for three days.
FIJ has condemned the detention as unjust and an attack on press freedom, emphasizing that “journalism is not a crime!”
FIJ statement stated: “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder @fisayosoyombo three days running. Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow.”
In another post, FIJ stated that “All his devices have been seized,” calling on the Nigerian Army to “preserve his evidence and truth.
“Don’t destroy the evidence. We insist the truth must come out. It’s in your custody, don’t destroy the evidence,” the statement added.
Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist and editor, has been detained for his journalism work, which has exposed corruption and systemic failures.
Recently, he reported on the Nigerian Customs Service’s alleged involvement in smuggling rice, arms, and other goods into the country.
The news of his detention has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many calling for his immediate release using the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow. Despite the public outcry, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially confirm the detention or provide an explanation for Soyombo’s detention.
This is not the first time Soyombo has faced detention for his journalism work. According to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Soyombo has long been a target for scrutiny by powerful figures.
Nigeria has been ranked as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, with 160 journalists attacked in two years, according to the 2020 Global Press Freedom Index.
The detention of Fisayo Soyombo has raised concerns about the suppression of media and civic space in Nigeria, with many calling for his immediate release and an end to the harassment of journalists.Police Confuse Over FIJ’s Journalist, Daniel Ojukwu Arrest and Warrant