Fisayo Soyombo Released from Detention

Renowned investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has been released from detention, drawing attention to press freedom issues in Nigeria.

Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, has been released after being detained for three days by the Nigerian Army.

Abimbola Ojenike, one of the lawyers representing Soyombo, confirmed the development and stated that the journalist was released shortly after 7 p.m.

“He was released just minutes ago, and we’re now trying to find our way out of the cantonment. He is free and has been handed over to his lawyers. Essentially, if he needs to be present somewhere, it will be up to his lawyers to bring him in; however, this wasn’t a typical bail process,” Ojenike explained.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), established by Soyombo, announced the release on X (formerly known as Twitter) after previously revealing that he had been held in military custody.

“The FIJ reported that their founder, Fisayo Soyombo, has been held by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt for three days. They emphasized that journalism is not a crime.”

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, serving as Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, earlier confirmed Soyombo’s arrest. In his statement, he detailed that Soyombo was taken into custody at a location engaged in illegal oil bunkering activities.

He also mentioned that the journalist and others detained at the scene were being investigated to assess their level of involvement in the alleged activities.