Investigator Fisayo Soyombo Held By Military, Sparks National Outrage

Investigator Fisayo Soyombo Held By Military, Sparks National OutrageWidespread condemnation has followed the detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Soyombo, an acclaimed investigative journalist known for his exposés on corruption and systemic failures, has now been in detention for three consecutive days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

His arrest has ignited calls for his immediate release, sparking renewed concerns about the state of press freedom in Nigeria. In a statement issued on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, November 29, FIJ condemned Soyombo’s detention, describing it as an attack on free press and journalism.

“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” FIJ said in the statement, calling on the military to ensure that critical evidence seized from Soyombo is preserved and not tampered with. All of Soyombo’s devices have been confiscated by the military, and FIJ has urged the Army to protect these materials to prevent the suppression of the truth.

Soyombo’s detention adds to a troubling trend of journalists being targeted by security forces in Nigeria. In 2021, he was briefly detained after publishing an exposé on police corruption. His latest arrest has fueled widespread outrage, particularly on social media platforms, with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow gaining momentum as Nigerians, journalists, rights groups, and activists demand his release.

Amnesty International Nigeria has called for his “immediate and unconditional release,” labeling the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.” Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned the action, urging the Nigerian Army to focus on fighting terrorists rather than silencing journalists. “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X.

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) also condemned Soyombo’s detention, describing it as an assault on press freedom. Despite public outcry, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially confirm Soyombo’s detention or provide an explanation for the action.

Efforts by PUNCH to reach Army spokesperson Clement Nwachukwu for comment were unsuccessful, with text messages going unanswered.

Nigeria has long been ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in West Africa, and the 2024 World Press Freedom Index confirmed this troubling reality. The country ranked 115th out of 180 countries, reflecting ongoing challenges to press freedom in the nation.

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