Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reacted to his detention and subsequent release by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Soyombo was arrested over alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering, an accusation he denies.
The Army initially detained Soyombo alongside other suspects at an alleged illegal oil bunkering site, sparking public outcry.
In a statement on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, explained the journalist’s arrest, citing ongoing investigations into oil theft in the region.
Following widespread protests on social media under the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow and reports by traditional media outlets, the Army released Soyombo on Friday night.
In a statement on Saturday, Soyombo expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, attributing his freedom to the public’s pressure on authorities.
“I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media,” he said. “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilisation and held incommunicado.”
Detailing his ordeal, Soyombo revealed he was arrested at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and subjected to extensive interrogation by multiple Army units until late that night.
However, Thursday passed without further questioning, raising concerns that his detention could be prolonged indefinitely.
“To my utmost surprise, on Friday morning, at about 11 a.m., I was retrieved from my cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). It was during the transfer that someone recognised me and said: ‘You’re the one; you’re in the news.’”
Soyombo credited his release to the public’s unwavering demand for accountability. “This victory exists because of you, you, and you. Thank you,” he concluded.
