Nigerians are not buying explanations by the Nigeria army that Foundation for Investigative Journalism founder Fisayo Soyombo, was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site.
#FreeFisayoNow is trending on social media after Mr. Soyombo was clamp in detention for three days running in Port Harcourt by the by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
The army explained Friday that Soyombo was arrested at a bunkering site based on intelligence about a “notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region”.
“In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo who was also arrested at the scene,” said a statement signed by Danjuma Danjuma, acting deputy director of public relations at the 6 Division of the Army.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise. Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region.”
But there is a general out cry for the release of Soyombo who in several of his reports had exposed corruption in the Nigeria police and in the Nigeria Customs. The Foundation for Investigative Journalism hinted the Soyombo was on a case.
“All his devices have been seized. We call on the Nigerian Army to protect this evidence and ensure the truth is not suppressed,” FIJ posted on X.
“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow.”
Amnesty International Nigeria called for his “immediate and unconditional release,” labelling the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu posting on her X page stated: “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime.”
