Fisayo Soyombo Thanks Nigerians For Their Support During His Detention By Military

Investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo has credited public pressure for his release after spending three days in detention by the Nigerian Army.

KanyiDaily recalls that Fisayo Soyombo was arrested during an operation against oil bunkering in Rivers State, accused of being present at an illegal site.

His detention sparked widespread calls for his release from Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and activists like Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju, who condemned his arrest as unlawful.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which Soyombo founded, revealed on Friday that the journalist had been held since early Wednesday.

The announcement triggered a social media campaign with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow, alongside interventions from Amnesty International and traditional media outlets.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed Soyombo’s arrest, stating it occurred during an intelligence-led operation targeting oil theft.

However, Soyombo was released later on Friday, as confirmed by FIJ.

On Saturday, Soyombo expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming support, attributing his release to their efforts.

The journalist shared details of his experience, explaining how the public’s advocacy cut short his detention.

He wrote, “Nigerians are not worth fighting for. I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it.

“Yesterday, you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by @HQNigerianArmy lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.

“After my arrest at about 2 am on Wednesday, I was grilled by different levels of the Army until deep into the night. I didn’t return to my cell until at least 11 pm on Wednesday. My case was then forwarded to a superior office that was to interrogate me on Thursday.

“Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful; from morning until night, this office never sent for me. I soon learnt the Army would take “as long as it wanted” to conduct their “investigation” just to establish that I was indeed an investigative journalist.

“To my utmost surprise, on Friday morning, at about 11 am or thereabouts, I was retrieved from my cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). It was during the transfer that someone who ran into me asked to know my name, after which they said: “You’re the one; you’re in the news.”

Appreciating the support from Nigerians, Soyombo credited the massive social media engagement and media coverage for his freedom

He added, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilisation and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you!”

KanyiDaily recalls that the Transparency Nigeria Group had demanded the immediate release of Mr Fisayo Soyombo.