We Are Worried About Soyombo's Safety Says FIJ As Nigerian Army Releases Him After 3 Days
By: Olufemi Orunsola
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has expressed concerns about the safety of Nigeria Investigative Journalists and its founder, Fisayo Soyombo following his released by the Nigerian Army after spending 72 hours in its custody and sharing information with them about his field works.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reported earlier that Soyombo was arrested by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and subsequently detained for more than 3 days.
A statement by the FIJ said his arrest occurred at a location the military deemed as “an illegal oil bunkering site", a narrative the authorities of the Nigerian Army has published in response to the massive media reportage that followed the alarm raised by Soyombo via his X handle.
The FIJ has also confirmed Soyombo’s release on its official X handle, in a post which reads; “We can confirm that our founder, @fisayosoyombo, has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.”
The media foundation dismissed the Army’s allegations against Soyombo, saying it was an attempt to misrepresent Soyombo’s investigative work, for which he has earned a national reputation.
Meanwhile, FIJ has expressed worry about Soyombo’s safety following sensitive information he had to share with the Army during his detention and interrogation process.
"FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in ‘illegal oil bunkering.’ FIJ will also address this statement appropriately." the foundation said.
More importantly, the foundation revealed that "Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after his release.”
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