THE Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest and detention of multiple award-winning investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo.
It claimed Soyombo was arrested with suspected oil bunkers in the country’s South-South and detained with the suspected thieves.
The ICIR reported earlier today that the Army had detained the journalist for three days, as alleged by his organisation in separate posts on X.
The organisation called for immediate action for his release, using the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow to amplify its demand.
“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,” the post read.
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.
The news of his detention has generated outcry on social media, particularly on X, with many condemning his detention.
The ICIR reports that Soyombo has a knack for undercover investigations.
Responding to the reports on his detention in a statement by the Army’s acting deputy director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, a lieutenant colonel, the Army said Soyombo and others were undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement in oil pipeline destruction and bunkering.
“You would recall that the Division has scaled up its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations with huge operational successes recorded. Only recently, intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region.
“In a deliberate operation conducted, troops trailed the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo who was also arrested at the scene.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise. Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region,” the Army said.
The Army reassured the public of its commitment and responsiveness in ensuring the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are drastically curbed in the region.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org