The Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has reportedly arrested and detained investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo.
DRUM AFRICA NEWS learnt that Fisayo, who is the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been detained for three days by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt .
According to SaharaReporters, Soyombo’s detention may be linked to his work exposing corruption and smugglers aided by Nigerian Customs Services.
The FIJ, in a statement on Friday, called for his immediate release and raised the alarm over the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.
Soyombo, known for his investigative reporting on high-profile issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has previously faced various threats and harassment.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ said.
In another statement issued on Friday, the FIJ expressed concern that the Army may be attempting to manipulate or conceal vital information related to Soyombo’s investigative work.
FIJ called on the military authorities to ensure that all evidence on the journalist’s devices is preserved and protected.
“We call on the Nigerian Army to act responsibly and not destroy the evidence. The truth must prevail, and Fisayo Soyombo’s work should not be compromised.”
FIJ stated, “All his devices have been seized. The Army must preserve his evidence and truth.
“Don’t destroy the evidence. We insist the truth must come out. It’s in your custody, don’t destroy the evidence.”
Recall that in early November, Soyombo released videos to establish his smuggling allegations involving Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers.
Fisayo, in a statement issued on his verified social media handles, had alleged that Nigerian customs officers had conspired with Adeyemi Habeeb Abdulganiy, an alleged multi-billionaire-naira smuggler better known as Abuga, to illegally pass about 2000 cars and smuggle in bags of rice into the country.
He had said the illegal operation was slated to take place on Sunday, 10th of November, 2024.
The journalist wrote: “All is set. Your men, working with Adeyemi Habeeb Abdulganiy, the multi-billionaire-smuggler better known as Abuga, are primed to pass more than 2,000 cars containing at least 65 bags of rice each from Bebe in the Benin Republic into Sango, Nigeria.
“Some of these cars will enter Sango from the toll gate by driving against traffic, consequently endangering lives, while some will gain entry into Sango through Ifo; others will use the Oju-Ore-Ota route.
“Road users in Sango can expect traffic congestion early tomorrow morning unless this post prompts an about-face from the actors. I understand as well that soldiers from the 192 battalion at Owode will be patrolling during the journey to prevent any resistance.
“So, @CustomsNG, just so you know, the people are watching; they will be hysterically laughing at you when you announce “seizure of one million bags of rice and 25 cartons of guns” later this week.”
However, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, had told SaharaReporters that Fisayo’s claims were fictitious.
He had said it was illogical for anyone to believe their personnel were involved in the illegal operation.
