The arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ignited widespread backlash, the Punch reported on Friday.
Soyombo, a prominent investigative journalist known for his work in exposing corruption and systemic issues, has been detained for three days, prompting urgent calls for his release and raising alarm over press freedom in Nigeria.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, November 29, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism denounced the arrest, labeling it an attack on press freedom.
“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the organization declared, demanding Soyombo’s immediate release and urging the military to safeguard crucial evidence taken from him.
“All his devices have been confiscated. We urge the Nigerian Army to protect this evidence and ensure that the truth does not get buried,” FIJ stressed.
This incident adds Soyombo to a growing list of journalists who have faced detention by security forces in Nigeria.
Soyombo has previously faced repercussions for his investigative reporting; he was briefly detained in 2021 after revealing police corruption in an exposé.
His current detention has triggered a wave of outrage across social media, particularly on X, where the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow has gained momentum as Nigerians, human rights advocates, and activists voice their discontent.
Amnesty International Nigeria has called for his “immediate and unconditional release,” denouncing the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned the arrest, urging the Nigerian Army to direct its efforts towards combating terrorism instead of targeting journalists. “Dear Nigerian Army, go after Bello Turji, who has harmed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting echoed the sentiment, characterizing the detention as an affront to press freedom and joining the chorus of calls for Soyombo’s release.
Despite mounting public pressure, the Nigerian Army has not confirmed the detention or offered an official explanation.
Attempts by PUNCH to contact Army spokesperson Clement Nwachukwu went unanswered, as messages received no response.
According to Reporters Without Borders, Nigeria has consistently ranked among the most perilous countries for journalists in West Africa as of 2024.
Recent data shows Nigeria’s poor standing on the World Press Freedom Index, where it ranks 115th out of 180 nations.
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