The Nigerian Army has released renowned journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, days after his arrest.
News360 Info reports that Fisayo, who is the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested and detained for three days.
The FIJ, had 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.
However, the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has revealed that its operatives arrested Soyombo on suspicion of engaging in illegal oil bunkering.
Hours after mixed reactions over the development, FIJ announced that Soyombo has now been released.
“We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in “illegal oil bunkering”. FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.
“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of ‘Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release,” FIJ wrote on X.
