Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Thanks Nigerians After Release From Army Detention

Renowned investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the media for their overwhelming support, which he credits for his release after three days in Nigerian Army detention.

In a statement released on Saturday, Soyombo recounted his ordeal, revealing he was arrested early Wednesday morning, subjected to extensive interrogation, and confined to a cell until late at night. The following day, despite expectations of further questioning, no progress was made, with the Army indicating it intended to prolong its investigations into his identity and work as a journalist.

Soyombo shared his reflections, saying, “’Nigerians are not worth fighting for.’ I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it. Yesterday, you proved me right. I am a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications and broadcasts by traditional media.”

He recounted how Friday morning became a turning point during his transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade. A chance encounter with an officer who recognized his name as being “in the news” catalyzed his release.

“The hashtag #FreeFisayoNow trended widely across Nigerian social media platforms, garnering attention from human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens,” he noted. “Traditional media also amplified the campaign, raising critical questions about press freedom and due process.”

Soyombo acknowledged that without public pressure, he might still have been held incommunicado, stating, “My freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you. Thank you!”

The journalist’s detention and subsequent release have reignited conversations around press freedom in Nigeria and the treatment of journalists, with many calling for stronger protections for media practitioners.