The renowned investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, recently detained by the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has publicly expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and efforts that led to his release. The support, according to Soyombo, played a critical role in ensuring his freedom after a three-day ordeal in detention.
Gistreel had earlier reported that Soyombo was detained by the Nigerian Army for three days, sparking outrage among Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and activists. His release on Friday was attributed to the massive social media campaigns, media advocacy, and interventions by various outlets and concerned citizens.
Soyombo, reflecting on the events, credited the immense pressure from Nigerians as the catalyst for his release. He emphasized the significance of collective action and media campaigns, which brought his plight to national and international attention.
Recounting his arrest, Soyombo revealed that he was detained in the early hours of Wednesday and subjected to extensive interrogations. He disclosed that the Army officials had threatened to keep him in custody indefinitely, pending the conclusion of their investigation. This revelation highlighted the dire situation he faced while in detention.
In his words, “Nigerians are not worth fighting for. I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it. Yesterday (Friday), 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 publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.”
Soyombo provided a detailed account of his experience, stating, “After my arrest at about 2am on Wednesday, I was grilled by different levels of the Army until deep into the night. I didn’t return to my cell until at least 11pm on Wednesday. My case was then forwarded to a superior office that was to interrogate me on Thursday.”
He further explained, “Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful; from morning until night, this officer never sent for me. I soon learnt the Army would take ‘as long as it wanted’ to conduct their ‘investigation’ just to establish that I was indeed an investigative journalist.”
The unexpected turn of events occurred on Friday morning when Soyombo was retrieved from his cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). During the transfer, he encountered someone who recognized him and said, “You’re the one; you’re in the news.” This recognition and the widespread media coverage underscored the impact of public advocacy on his case.
Soyombo reiterated that without the intervention of Nigerians, the power of social media, and the relentless efforts of traditional media outlets, his release might have been indefinitely delayed. His ordeal has become a testament to the effectiveness of unity and collective action in advocating for justice and human rights.
