The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action and direct the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) to secure the release of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who has been detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement released on Friday through its verified X account, SERAP warned that it would take legal action if Soyombo is not released within 48 hours.

“We urge President Tinubu to direct Nigeria’s army chief to immediately release journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who is detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt. We’ll see the administration in court if he is not released within 48 hours,” SERAP stated.

The Guardian reports that Soyombo was arrested and detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt three days ago.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) also called for Soyombo’s immediate release, expressing concern about the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.
In a reaction, the Nigerian Army confirmed Soyombo’s arrest, saying the investigative journalist was picked up among criminals at an illegal oil bunkering site.

Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, in a statement on Friday detailed the operation that led to Soyombo’s arrest.

He explained that intelligence indicated the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections.

“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene,” Danjuma said.

The Army official noted that preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the level of involvement of all suspects, including Soyombo.

“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish,” Danjuma added.