- The Nigerian Army confirmed the arrest of journalist Fisayo Soyombo for alleged links to illegal oil activities during an operation
- Soyombo’s detention has sparked criticism from media rights organizations, asserting that the Army lacks authority to detain civilians legally
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo is in its custody, citing alleged links to illegal oil activities as the reason for his detention.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which Soyombo founded, initially reported the development, revealing on social media that he had been held for three days.
The FIJ stated, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo. Journalism is not a crime.”
In response, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, disclosed that Soyombo’s arrest stemmed from intelligence on a notorious gang involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil operations in the region.
Danjuma explained, “Soyombo was apprehended alongside other suspects at an illegal oil site. All are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their involvement in these activities.”
However, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) criticized the journalist’s detention, asserting that the Army lacks the legal authority to detain civilians.
In a statement, MRA Programme Officer John Gbadamosi said, “The Nigerian Army’s actions are beyond its jurisdiction. We demand Soyombo’s immediate release.”
Soyombo’s arrest has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions on press freedom and the role of security agencies in handling civilian cases.
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