Why Fisayo Soyombo Was Arrested – Nigerian Army Speaks Out

The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo on suspicion of involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities.

Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been detained for three days, according to Naija News. In response, the FIJ issued a statement on Friday, calling for Soyombo’s immediate release and raising concerns over the growing threats to press freedom in Nigeria.

Known for his investigative journalism on issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, Soyombo has faced previous threats and harassment for his reporting.

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In its statement, the FIJ declared: “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days. Journalism is not a crime.”

Responding to the allegations, Acting Deputy Director of the 6th Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, clarified that Soyombo was arrested alongside other individuals involved in oil bunkering. He added that all the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.

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The statement from the Army, titled ‘ALLEGED DETENTION OF JOURNALIST IN PORT HARCOURT, MISLEADING,’ stated, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has noted with utmost concern an allegation circulating on social media, particularly from Sahara Reporters, claiming that the Nigerian Army detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. While the Division will not engage with falsehoods, it is important to clarify the facts.”

The statement also explained that the Army had intensified its operations against illegal oil bunkering and recently received intelligence on a gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections. During an operation to apprehend the criminals, Soyombo was arrested at the scene, which was identified as an illegal oil bunkering site.

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