The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has announced the release of its founder, Fisayo Soyombo, from detention by the Nigerian Army.
Soyombo had been detained for three days by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following his arrest at what the military described as an illegal oil bunkering site. The arrest sparked widespread concern and calls for his release.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday evening, FIJ confirmed Soyombo’s release, attributing it to the intense media attention and public advocacy that followed his detention.
“We can confirm that our founder, @fisayosoyombo, has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted,” FIJ wrote.
The investigative journalism platform, however, criticized the Army’s statement, which suggested Soyombo’s involvement in illegal oil bunkering. “FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in ‘illegal oil bunkering.’ FIJ will also address this statement appropriately,” the post added.
The organization expressed concerns over Soyombo’s safety following his release, citing the sensitive nature of the information he had shared with the Army during his detention. “Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release,” the statement read.
