The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed the arrest and detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in connection with an alleged illegal oil bunkering operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This development has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians and human rights advocates.
Details of the Arrest
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops apprehended Mr. Soyombo at an alleged illegal oil bunkering site. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the region.
The Army stated:
“Intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for bursting pipelines and making illegal connections. Troops conducted a deliberate operation at the site, leading to several arrests, including that of Fisayo Soyombo.“
FIJ’s Response
FIJ reported via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that Mr. Soyombo has been detained for three days, his gadgets seized, and communication with him cut off. The outlet emphasized the need for transparency, urging the Army to preserve all evidence tied to the case.
Public Outcry
The journalist’s arrest has sparked significant backlash on social media and from civil society organizations. Prominent voices have called for his immediate release, citing concerns about press freedom and human rights.
- Chioma Agwuegbo, a feminist and advocate, remarked:
“We cannot be a country where people disappear without accountability. Speak up now, or anyone could be next.” - Rinu Oduala, a human rights activist, questioned:
“Why is the Nigerian Army detaining Fisayo Soyombo? This is madness!” - Ridwan Oke, a Lagos-based lawyer, added:
“Fisayo’s work exposing crimes in Nigeria is commendable. The government should investigate those he exposed, not detain him unjustly.”
Nigeria’s Press Freedom Challenges
Nigeria remains a challenging environment for journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks the country 123rd out of 180 nations in its 2023 Press Freedom Index. Journalists frequently face monitoring, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, with many cases of violence against them going unpunished.
Army’s Defense
The Army has assured the public that Mr. Soyombo’s detention is part of preliminary investigations into the oil theft operation. They stressed the importance of verifying facts before publishing allegations.
“The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement. We remain committed to combating oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s resources,” the Army’s statement added.
Calls for Justice
Civil society groups, including Amnesty International and SERAP, have joined the chorus demanding Mr. Soyombo’s release. Many argue that his arrest is a direct attack on investigative journalism and press freedom in Nigeria.
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