Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been released after being detained by the Nigerian Army for three days. The detention took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the military alleged he was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site. FIJ has firmly denied these allegations, describing them as a deliberate mischaracterization of Soyombo's activities.
The journalist's release was confirmed by FIJ in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), crediting an intense media campaign for the outcome. FIJ has expressed concerns about Soyombo's safety, given the sensitive information he shared with the Army during his detention. The organization is monitoring the situation and plans to address the Army's claims in detail.
This incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists conducting investigative fieldwork in Nigeria.