Nigerian Army Misrepresented My Arrest– Fisayo Soyombo  

Award-winning investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his recent arrest and detention, stating that the Nigerian Army misrepresented the facts. According to Soyombo, his detention was a direct result of his undercover investigative work, not any wrongdoing on his part.

“They all assumed I was an illegal oil bunkerer, and I played along until they took me to the 6th Division headquarters,” Soyombo explained. “At that point, I believed I was engaging with officials conducting an investigation. It was then I revealed my identity as an undercover journalist and provided proof to back my claim.”

Soyombo expressed concern about the hostility faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria, particularly from security agencies. He highlighted how the mere mention of the word “investigation” often elicits adverse reactions from authorities.

“Of course, the press is not free in many ways, and one of them is the resistance from security agencies. Whenever I’ve had encounters with the police or military and mention that I’m investigating, their demeanor changes instantly. They simply do not want the press to engage in independent work,” he noted.

Soyombo’s arrest sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including media organizations, civil rights activists, and international watchdogs. Many decried the incident as a direct assault on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists who are committed to exposing the truth.

Despite the challenges, Soyombo reaffirmed his commitment to investigative journalism, emphasizing its crucial role in holding power to account.

This incident further underscores the growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, with many calling for greater protection for journalists to carry out their work without fear of harassment or intimidation. Soyombo’s experience highlights the risks faced by those committed to exposing corruption and misconduct in a society increasingly hostile to transparency.