The Nigerian Army has released Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, following an uproar on social media over his arrest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement on Friday, the Army confirmed Soyombo’s detention, linking it to an anti-oil theft operation. Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, stated that Soyombo was arrested at an illegal bunkering site during a raid aimed at curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The statement read:
“As part of intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army recorded significant successes. Troops tracked suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site, leading to multiple arrests, including that of Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene.
“The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to ascertain their level of involvement. Any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless.”
The Army also urged media outlets to verify reports before publication and reiterated its commitment to combatting oil theft and protecting national resources.
Following his arrest, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow, sparking widespread calls for his release.
On Saturday, Soyombo confirmed his release, attributing it to public pressure. Sharing his experience, he wrote:
“Nigerians are not worth fighting for.” I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it. Yesterday, you proved me right.
“You all are the reason my detention by the Nigerian Army lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the coverage by traditional media. Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell, held incommunicado.”
Soyombo revealed he was subjected to intense questioning on the day of his arrest and was informed that the Army’s investigation could take an indefinite period to confirm his status as a journalist. However, media attention expedited his transfer and eventual release.
“Thank you!” he concluded, expressing gratitude to Nigerians for their solidarity and collective action.
Soyombo’s release underscores the power of social media in influencing outcomes and highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of the press in Nigeria.
