Investigative Journalist Fisayo, Freed After Three Days in Military Detention Amid Public Backlash

“I hear people say Nigerians are not worth fighting for. I’ve always disbelieved it. Yesterday, you proved me right,” Soyombo wrote after his release. “My detention by the Nigerian Army lasted only three days because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the coverage by traditional media. Without your pressure, I would still be in that cell, away from civilization.”

Soyombo was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday and interrogated extensively. “I was grilled by different levels of the Army until late into the night,” he revealed, adding that the Army had initially planned to prolong his detention under the guise of an ongoing investigation.

However, the tide changed when widespread public attention was drawn to his plight. On Friday morning, during a transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade, a military officer recognized Soyombo from the media reports and acknowledged, “You’re the one; you’re in the news.” This recognition, fueled by public engagement, led to his release later that day.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the organization Soyombo founded, confirmed his release and expressed concerns for his safety, warning of potential reprisals from security agencies over his investigative work.

Soyombo’s detention was condemned by civil society organizations and international media bodies as an assault on press freedom. His arrest occurred in Port Harcourt, where the Nigerian Army claimed he was apprehended at an illegal oil bunkering site, a claim disputed by many.

Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, confirmed Soyombo’s detention, linking it to an operation against illegal oil bunkering. However, many believe the arrest was an attempt to stifle his fearless journalism, which has exposed corruption and abuse in Nigeria.

As he regained his freedom, Soyombo extended heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians, emphasizing that their voices were instrumental in securing his release. “My freedom is your freedom,” he wrote. “This victory exists because of you.”