Soyombo, known for his work in exposing corruption and systemic abuses, remains in detention as investigations continue.
Abuja, Nigeria – Prominent human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, describing it as an attack on press freedom and a ploy to shield the involvement of the Navy in oil theft operations.
Soyombo was arrested earlier this week during a military operation targeting oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. A statement released on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the arrest, linking it to a raid on an illegal oil bunkering site.
The military’s statement read:
“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”
Reacting to the development, Adeyanju condemned Soyombo’s detention, arguing that the arrest was a calculated attempt to intimidate investigative journalists and suppress exposure of corruption in the oil sector.
“I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained for three days,” Adeyanju said. “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. This detention undermines accountability and must end immediately.”
Adeyanju further accused the military of ignoring the Navy’s alleged complicity in large-scale oil theft, stating that the illegal activities could not occur without the involvement or approval of senior naval officers.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity in oil theft,” Adeyanju stated. “Top-ranking officers often exploit postings to oil-rich regions with the aim to enrich themselves. Without the Navy’s involvement or approval, large-scale oil theft would be impossible, perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage.”
The human rights lawyer also decried the seizure of Soyombo’s equipment, asserting that the move was an attempt to stifle investigative journalism. He called for the journalist’s immediate release and urged civil society, the media, and the public to resist the suppression of press freedom.
“Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust,” Adeyanju said. “His release is critical to upholding democracy and justice.”
Adeyanju urged the government to prioritize press freedom and support investigative journalism to expose corruption in the country.
Soyombo, known for his work in exposing corruption and systemic abuses, remains in detention as investigations continue.
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