Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Arrested At Oil Theft Site, Nigerian Army Says

The Nigerian Army has defended the arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), asserting that he was apprehended at an illegal oil bunkering site during a military operation. 

Danjuma Danjuma, acting deputy director of public relations at the 6 Division, described reports of Soyombo’s detention as “misleading” and linked his arrest to an intelligence-led operation targeting a “notorious gang of oil thieves” in the region. 

“In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo,” Danjuma said. “The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise.” 

The Nigerian Army expressed its commitment to tackling oil theft but urged media outlets to ensure accuracy in reporting. 

Soyombo’s arrest has sparked an outcry from human rights advocates and media professionals. Citizens’ Gavel, a human rights organisation, criticised his detention, calling it “an affront to democracy and press freedom.” 

The group, in a statement, said that Soyombo’s detention undermined the principles of democracy and press freedom that form the bedrock of any society, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. 

Soyombo, known for investigative reports on smuggling and corruption, recently released videos implicating officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in smuggling activities. His arrest has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of investigative journalists in Nigeria. 

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