A groundswell of condemnation has trailed the disclosure by the Nigerian Army that it has arrested Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, a Nigerian investigative journalist who is famous for his secret investigation and revelation of institutional corruption and abuse of public trust by Nigerian state ministries, departments and agencies, especially the uniformed Services like the Customs, Prisons and the Military.
The Army had claimed that Soyombo was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on an illegal oil bunkering site.
However, Amnesty International in Nigeria and Soyombo’s colleagues in the media have faulted the Army’s claims, insisting that Soyombo is being held for his underground work in digging out the complicity of the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in large-scale stealing of crude oil and clandestine or black market sale of same in the Niger Delta, to the detriment of Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, Amnesty International wrote: “Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who was arrested by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt. Arbitrary arrest is unlawful.
“Fisayo has been in military detention and out of reach since 26 Nov. — in utter disregard for the rule of law. This draconian trend is sending the wrong signal and can force journalists to live in perpetual fear for daring to investigate and report on issues of public interest.
“Since President Bola Tinubu took office, at least 11 journalists and bloggers have been targeted for just doing their job. This is unacceptable. The Nigerian authorities must immediately put an end to this hostility towards human rights.
“In Kano, 12 people were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa. In Jigawa state, 3 people were killed at Hadejia, while 1 person was killed at Kofar Sauri, Katsina state. In Kaduna state, a minor was killed by a solider in Zaria while police killed one person in Kaduna.
“In Maiduguri, 3 people were killed at A.A. Kime Filling Station at Bolori Junction. In Niger state, at least, 3 people were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
“The Nigeria Police Force’s denial of the killings of protesters is a disturbing trend that undermines trust, perpetuates impunity, and exacerbates the cycle of violence. It also adds to the agony of the parents whose loved ones were killed.”
Similarly, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Labour Party (LP) member and activist, Aisha Yesufu wrote: “Dear Nigerian Army,
Go and arrest Bello Turji that have not only dared you and killed Nigerians but also your men and women.Leave Fisayo Alone. Journalism is not a crime.”
Also posting on X, the Take It Back Movement stated: ” Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, has been unlawfully detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt for 3 days. His rights as a journalist are being violated. Journalism is not a crime! We demand his immediate and unconditional release #FreeFisayoNow.”
Similarly, a rights group, SERAP, said: “We urge President Tinubu to direct Nigeria’s army chief to immediately release journalist Fisayo Soyombo who is detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt. We’ll see the administration in court if he is not released within 48 hours. #FreeFisayoNow.”
Popular morning show presenter on ARISE TV, Mr. Rufai Oseni, wrote on X: “FreeFisayoNow we can’t have a lawless society where journalists are harassed.”
There were fears that the Army would destroy evidence of their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering which Soyombo has gathered in his underground investigation, before they release him.
In a statement entitled “Nigerian Army Clarifies Alleged Detention Of Journalist in Port Harcourt” announcing that they have Soyombo in their custody, the Nigerian Army wrote:
“The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has expressed concern over allegations circulating on social media that it detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. While the Division does not typically engage with the purveyors of falsehoods, it is necessary to set the record straight.
” As part of its intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army has recorded significant successes. Recent intelligence uncovered the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region.
“In a carefully planned operation, troops tracked the suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, multiple arrests were made, including that of Mr Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene. The suspects, including Mr Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the illegal activities. His arrest is directly linked to the ongoing anti-oil theft operations in the region, and any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless.
“The Division strongly urges media outlets to verify the accuracy of their reports before disseminating information to the public. The 6 Division Nigerian Army remains committed to combating criminal activities, particularly oil theft, to ensure the protection of national resources and increased oil and gas production in the region.
“The Nigerian Army assures the public of its dedication to upholding security and welcomes constructive engagements to foster understanding and transparency.”
The Army’s statement was issued on Friday, 29 November, 2024 by Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who is Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations.
Leave a Reply