Fisayo Soyombo’s detention, dangerous precedent for press freedom – Citizens’ Gavel

Civil Society Organisation, Citizens’ Gavel, has described the arrest and detention of investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as a dangerous precedent to press freedom in Nigeria.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Soyombo had been held in army custody for the past three days. The army also confirmed Soyombo’s arrest in a statement on Friday.

Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, explained that the operation leading to Soyombo’s detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.

Danjuma stated that the suspects arrested at the site, including Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.

Reacting, Citizens’ Gavel, in a statement by its communication team on Friday, said Soyombo’s detention is an unwarranted act that undermines the principles of democracy and press freedom that form the bedrock of any just society.

It said the arbitrary detention of such a prominent journalist was a grave affront to these ideals and set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Nigeria.

“We remind the Nigerian government and its security agencies of their constitutional obligation to uphold the rights of journalists as enshrined in Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press,” the organisation said.

It noted that Nigeria is a signatory to international treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protects the rights of individuals to disseminate information without fear of reprisal.

“This incident not only threatens the safety of Fisayo Soyombo but also sends a negative message to the entire media community, stifling the critical voices necessary for democracy to thrive. Journalists should be empowered, not intimidated, for performing their duties in the public interest.

“We unequivocally condemn this act of repression and join the growing chorus of civil society organizations, media professionals, and concerned citizens in demanding the following: The immediate and unconditional release of Fisayo Soyombo.

“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. A reaffirmation of the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and the rights of journalists.

“As the world observes this troubling development, we urge the Nigerian Army and all relevant authorities to act swiftly and responsibly. The detention of Fisayo Soyombo is not only an affront to his person but a disservice to Nigeria’s democracy and international reputation.

“The press is not the enemy—it is a cornerstone of accountability and progress. Nigeria must not falter in its commitment to safeguarding the freedoms that allow the truth to be told and justice to prevail.”