The founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo who was detained by the Nigerian Army has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria. Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist known for his exposés on corruption and systemic failures, has been held by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for three days.
His detention has prompted urgent calls for his release, with many raising alarm over the growing threats to press freedom in Nigeria. In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, FIJ condemned Soyombo’s detention, calling it a direct assault on press freedom.
“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the foundation declared, demanding Soyombo’s immediate release and urging the military to protect critical evidence confiscated from him. FIJ also emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to safeguard the seized devices to prevent the suppression of truth.
This incident has added Soyombo to the list of journalists targeted by security agencies in Nigeria. Known for his fearless reporting, Soyombo was briefly detained in 2021 following the publication of an exposé on police corruption.
The current detention has sparked outrage across social media, with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow gaining significant traction. Human rights groups, activists, and members of the public have expressed their outrage at the detention. Amnesty International Nigeria called for Soyombo’s “immediate and unconditional release,” describing his arrest as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned the detention, urging the military to focus on tackling 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 wrote on X.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting echoed these calls, describing the detention as a direct attack on press freedom.
Reporters Without Borders recently ranked Nigeria as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in West Africa in 2024. The country’s poor ranking on the World Press Freedom Index—115th out of 180 countries—underscores the growing concern over the safety and freedom of the press in the nation.
