Army releases investigative journalist Soyombo
The Nigerian Army on Friday released the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, after detaining him in Rivers State over alleged involvement in oil bunkering.
FIJ confirmed Mr Soyombo’s release in a statement on X, stating that the Army released the investigative journalist on Friday after succumbing to pressure from the media.
FIJ’s post read: “We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in ‘illegal oil bunkering.’ FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.
“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release,” it stated.
The 6 Division of the Army had arrested Mr Soyombo, detained him, and seized his equipment for three days in Port Harcourt. It was only after the news reached the media and activists condemned the move that the Army issued a statement confirming the development.
According to the Army, Mr Soyombo was arrested alongside others at an illegal oil bunkering site during an operation against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Ododo backs unity of Kogi indigenes, seeks lasting peace
Mr Ododo said the responsibility for building peace and unity should not be left to politicians.
NationWide
Amnesty International urges Madonna University to recall final year nursing student expelled over TikTok challenge
The rights group on Wednesday argued that the sanction was an overkill and consequently, disproportionate to the offence.
Heading 4
Veteran communication scholar Idowu Sobowale dies at 85
The family noted that arrangements for the deceased’s burial would be announced later.
Heading 5
FBI raids fraudsters’ hideout in Ghana, arrests suspected scammers
Mr Patel said the raid, codenamed “Operation Blackout”, was carried out on Thursday.
States
Court dismisses suit challenging Okoro’s nomination as APC candidate for Ekiti South constituency
The judge described the plaintiff as a “meddlesome interloper” and a “busybody.”
Abuja
Designer seeks more investment in fashion industry to create jobs
A designer called on government at all levels and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative sector to invest more in the fashion industry to unlock its economic gains.
