By Marvellous Nyang
November 29, 2024
Fisayo Soyombo, a prominent investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was released by the Nigerian Army on November 29, 2024, after three days in custody.
His detention, which sparked significant public outcry and condemnation from civil society organisations, was linked to his recent exposés on corruption involving the Nigerian Customs Service.
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The Army initially claimed Soyombo was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, but FIJ refuted this characterization, asserting that his work as a journalist should not be criminalised.
Following intervention from media advocacy groups, including the International Press Institute (IPI), Soyombo was freed without formal charges.
His release highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists face increasing risks and repression for their work.
