The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the arrest and detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
Mr. Soyombo has reportedly been in custody for three days, an act MRA described as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued today, MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, contended that the Nigerian Army is overstepping its constitutional boundaries, asserting that it lacks the authority to arrest or detain civilians.
He emphasized that under the Constitution, anyone detained on suspicion of a criminal offense must be charged in court within 24 hours—a provision the Army has blatantly violated.
“The Nigerian Army has very limited powers of arrest, restricted to specific scenarios such as insurrection or aiding civil authorities in restoring order under the President’s directive,” Mr. Gbadamosi said.
He noted that there is no evidence or accusation suggesting Mr. Soyombo’s involvement in any insurrection.
Referring to a landmark 2021 ruling by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mr. Gbadamosi said that the Nigerian Army has no legal authority to arrest or detain civilians unless they fall under military jurisdiction.
He further cited Sections 4 and 84 of the Police Act, which clearly designate crime detection and investigation as responsibilities of the Nigerian Police, not the military.
MRA urged the Nigerian Army to redirect its efforts toward its constitutional roles, such as national defense, and to refrain from misusing its powers.
Mr. Gbadamosi called the detention of a civilian journalist a gross abuse of authority, expressing concerns about its implications for press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria.
He further appealed to President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to intervene and curtail the Army’s repeated violations of the Constitution and rule of law.
“The actions of the Nigerian Army in this case portray Nigeria as a lawless society and undermine the principles of democracy and accountability,” Mr. Gbadamosi stated.
The MRA demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Soyombo, emphasizing that any allegations against him must be addressed through lawful means by the appropriate authorities.
