Prominent investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians and the media for their overwhelming support and advocacy, which facilitated his release from detention by the Nigerian Army.
Soyombo, who was arrested on Wednesday and detained for three days, revealed his ordeal, which involved intense interrogations and overnight confinement in a cell. On Thursday, he was informed of the Army’s plan to extend investigations into his identity and work as an investigative journalist.
Speaking on his release, Soyombo attributed it to the public outcry generated by the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow, which trended across social media platforms and drew the attention of human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens. Traditional media outlets also amplified the call for his release, raising concerns about press freedom and due process.
Detailing the turning point, Soyombo recounted being transferred to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) on Friday morning. During the transfer, an officer who recognized his name from news reports facilitated his release. “Someone who ran into me asked to know my name and said: ‘You’re the one; you’re in the news,’” Soyombo narrated.
He acknowledged the collective effort that led to his freedom, stating, “My freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of your support.” Soyombo expressed his gratitude to all Nigerians, the media, and advocates for standing in solidarity with him during the ordeal.
The incident has reignited conversations about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria.
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