Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Friday condemned the Nigerian Army’s statement regarding the arrest of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Adeyanju described the Army’s remark as an attempt to conceal the involvement of Naval officers in oil theft, claiming that top-ranking officers often exploit their postings to oil-rich regions for personal enrichment.
In a statement, Adeyanju said Soyombo’s arrest, which took place under the guise of investigating oil theft, represented an attack on press freedom. Soyombo, along with others, was arrested for alleged oil bunkering and has been in the custody of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt for three days.
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“I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained for three days. His arrest under the guise of anti-oil theft operations is an attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence his efforts to expose corruption,” Adeyanju said. “This detention undermines accountability and must end immediately.”
Adeyanju further criticised the Nigerian Army’s statement, which he claimed ignored the involvement of the Navy in oil theft. He stressed that large-scale oil theft would be impossible without the Navy’s involvement or approval, accusing top military officers of exploiting their positions in oil-rich areas to line their pockets.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity in oil theft. Top-ranking officers often exploit postings to oil-rich regions with the aim to enrich themselves, perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage,” Adeyanju added.
He also condemned the seizure of Soyombo’s equipment, calling it a clear attempt to intimidate investigative journalism. “Fisayo’s arrest and the seizure of his equipment are clear attempts to intimidate investigative journalism. Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust. His release is critical to upholding democracy and justice.”
Adeyanju concluded by urging the government to respect press freedom, calling on civil society, the media, and Nigerians to resist attempts at suppressing the press. “Fisayo must be released immediately, and investigative journalism must be protected to expose systemic corruption and safeguard our democracy.”
