The Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has detained the founder of the Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo for three days without trial.
FIJ confirmed the arrest of its publisher on Friday via @fijnigeria its official X handle, stating that Soyombo has been in the Army’s custody in the last three days.
Soyombo, a fearless investigative journalist, has recently been exposing the Nigeria Customs Service and its roles in alleged corruption and smuggling around the Southwest borders of the country.
The FIJ has called for his immediate release and raised the alarm over the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ said.
Soyombo, known for his investigative reporting on high-profile issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations.
He has previously faced various threats and harassment over the reports on the Customs, raising concerns also about attempt to induce him in a bid to be silent on the reports.
Aminu Adamu is the Managing Editor at WikkiTimes, where he oversees editorial processes and contributes to impactful journalism. His reporting focuses on accountability at the grassroots level, climate change, and other underreported issues, particularly within subnational contexts.
Aminu has conducted investigative stories that have been cross-published by reputable media outlets, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues and promoting transparency. In 2023, he was selected as a GovSpend Media Fellow, further cementing his expertise in tracking public spending and governance.
