The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has officially stated that it arrested investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo over his alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities. The arrest has stirred controversy, with Soyombo’s supporters raising concerns about the motivations behind his detention.
Reports indicate that Soyombo, who is the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been in detention for three days. The arrest has sparked widespread reactions, particularly from media organizations and press freedom advocates. FIJ has called for his immediate release, expressing alarm over what it perceives as an increasing threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Soyombo, known for his hard-hitting investigative journalism on corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has faced significant risks in the past. His work often targets powerful individuals and institutions, making him a prominent figure in Nigerian media. The recent arrest has raised suspicions among his supporters, who argue that it could be an attempt to silence his investigative work.
In a statement released on Friday, FIJ strongly condemned the arrest, saying, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo for 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime.” The organization’s call for his release highlights the growing concerns over the state of press freedom in the country, as the journalist's arrest follows a pattern of increasing harassment and intimidation faced by media professionals in Nigeria.
In response to the arrest, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, confirmed the detention, stating that Soyombo was arrested alongside other individuals suspected of being involved in illegal oil bunkering activities. Danjuma explained that the suspects were apprehended at an illegal oil bunkering site, where operations have been ramped up due to the growing issue of oil theft in the region. He further clarified that all individuals detained, including Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the illegal activities.
The Army also issued a statement titled ‘ALLEGED DETENTION OF JOURNALIST IN PORT HARCOURT, MISLEADING,’ where they sought to clarify the situation. The statement read, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has noted with utmost concern an allegation making the rounds on the social media by Sahara reporters today, 29 November 2024. In the publication, it was alleged that the Nigerian Army detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. While the Division will not want to join issues with purveyors of falsehood and misinformation, it is important to put the records in proper perspective.”
The Army’s statement emphasized that the Division has significantly intensified its efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering in the region, which has been linked to a notorious gang involved in pipeline bursts and illegal oil connections. The Army claimed that recent intelligence led them to a bunkering site where troops successfully apprehended individuals, including Soyombo. The statement further explained that the arrested suspects are being investigated to determine their involvement in oil theft activities.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise. Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is, therefore, important for media outlets to ensure the veracity of their information before they place them in the public domain,” the statement added. The Army also reassured the public of its commitment to tackling oil theft, stating that the operation’s success would bolster oil and gas production in the country and contribute to national economic stability.
This incident has sparked further debate about the role of the media in Nigeria and the extent to which government authorities may attempt to stifle independent journalism. As the investigation into Soyombo’s arrest continues, the situation remains a point of contention, with many urging greater transparency and respect for press freedoms in the country.
