The Nigerian Army has reportedly detained investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Soyombo was arrested by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, although the reasons for his detention remain unclear.
The FIJ confirmed the arrest on Friday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder @fisayosoyombo 3 days running.”
The organisation further revealed that Soyombo had been incommunicado since November 26, with no contact established during the three-day period.
FIJ staff member Daniel Ojukwu shared with HumAngle that the team could not immediately ascertain the reason for Soyombo’s detention. “He has been incommunicado for three days and we have to investigate as a team,” Ojukwu said.
“Earlier this morning, we got the notification from multiple sources within the military that he’s in their custody and that’s all we have for now.”
The FIJ also reported that the military had seized Soyombo’s devices and demanded that “The Army must preserve his evidence and truth. Don’t destroy the evidence. We insist the truth must come out. It’s in your custody, don’t destroy the evidence.”
Soyombo’s arrest comes two months after the FIJ disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had also been pursuing their founder.
The detention of Soyombo has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for his immediate release growing louder across Nigeria.
The FIJ described the arrest as an assault on press freedom, writing, “Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” and demanding that the military ensure the protection of evidence seized from him. “All his devices have been seized. We call on the Nigerian Army to protect this evidence and ensure the truth is not suppressed,” the FIJ added.
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This incident has added Soyombo to a growing list of Nigerian journalists detained by security forces. The investigative journalist, well known for exposing corruption and systemic failures, was briefly detained in 2021 after publishing an exposé on police corruption.
Public outrage has surged, particularly on X, where the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow has gained significant traction. Rights groups, activists, and members of the public have expressed their anger at the detention, viewing it as an infringement on press freedom.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the arrest, calling for Soyombo’s “immediate and unconditional release,” labeling the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu also spoke out, urging the Nigerian Army to focus on combating terrorism instead of targeting journalists. “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting also weighed in, condemning Soyombo’s detention as an attack on press freedom and echoing calls for his release.
Despite the mounting public pressure and widespread calls for his release, the Nigerian Army has yet to confirm the detention or offer an official explanation.
