Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, thanks Nigerians after release from army detention
By Jeffrey Agbo
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the media for their solidarity and advocacy, which he credits for his release from Nigerian Army detention after three days.
Mr Soyombo, who was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday and detained until Friday, recounted his experience in a statement on Saturday.
He revealed that he was interrogated extensively on the day of his arrest and held overnight. Despite expectations of further questioning on Thursday, none occurred, as the Army reportedly decided to take its time with investigations into his identity as an investigative journalist.
“Nigerians are not worth fighting for.’ I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it,” Soyombo wrote.
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“Yesterday, you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by HQ Nigerian Army lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.”
The breakthrough in his case came on Friday morning during his transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). A chance encounter with an officer who recognised his name as being “in the news” became a turning point, leading to his release.
The hashtag #FreeFisayoNow trended widely across Nigerian social media platforms, gaining the attention of human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens. Traditional media also amplified the campaign, raising questions about press freedom and due process.
Reflecting on the support that led to his freedom, Soyombo said, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilisation and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you!”
