Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has been released by the Nigerian Army following mounting public and media pressure.
Soyombo, known for his fearless exposés on corruption and abuse, was reportedly held by the military operatives in Port Harcourt earlier this week.
The journalist regained his freedom on Friday evening, according to a statement by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the organisation he founded.
While confirming his release, the FIJ expressed concerns for his safety, citing fears of reprisals from Nigerian security agencies over his recent investigative work.
His detention was condemned by civil society organisations, and international media bodies, who viewed his arrest as a troubling attack on free speech.
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The statement read, “We can confirm that our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo has now been released by the Nigerian Army, 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,” FIJ said.
Recall that earlier, Fisayo Soyombo was arrested by the Nigerian Army alongside other suspects at an oil bunkering site in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
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