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The Nigerian Army has arrested Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), at an illegal oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Danjuma Danjuma, acting deputy director of public relations at the 6 Division of the Army, Soyombo was arrested alongside other suspects at the scene of the crime.
The Army’s statement contradicts earlier reports by FIJ that Soyombo had been detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt for three days.
FIJ and other media groups have called for Soyombo’s immediate release, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from media outlets and human rights organizations.
However, according to Danjuma, intelligence recently revealed the existence of a “notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region.” Troops subsequently trailed the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made, including Soyombo.
Read Also: Media group condemns Army’s arrest detention of journalist, Fisayo Soyombo
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise,” Danjuma said.
“Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region.”
Soyombo has been a vocal critic of corruption in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He has repeatedly accused officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of complicity in smuggling, releasing a series of videos on November 18 to back his allegations.
The Nigerian Army’s statement has sparked controversy, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding Soyombo’s arrest. While the Army claims that Soyombo was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site, others have raised concerns about the journalist’s safety and the potential for harassment or intimidation.As the investigation into Soyombo’s arrest continues, many are calling for transparency and accountability from the Nigerian Army. The incident has highlighted the risks faced by journalists in Nigeria, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power.
In a statement, FIJ said that Soyombo’s arrest was “a clear attempt to silence him” and called for his immediate release. The organization also expressed concern about the safety of Soyombo and other journalists who have been critical of the government.
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