Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo was arrested by the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The arrest, which occurred under the pretext of anti-oil theft operations, has been condemned by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju as an attack on press freedom and an attempt to conceal the involvement of naval officers in crude oil theft.
Adeyanju criticized the Nigerian Army's justification for Soyombo's detention, stating, "I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained for three days.
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."
The activist further alleged that high-ranking naval officers exploit their positions in oil-rich regions for personal gain, suggesting that large-scale oil theft would be impossible without their involvement or approval. "It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity in oil theft," Adeyanju remarked.
"Without the Navy’s involvement or approval, large-scale oil theft would be impossible, perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage."
Soyombo's arrest and the seizure of his equipment are seen as efforts to intimidate investigative journalism.
Adeyanju urged the government to respect press freedom and called on civil society, the media, and Nigerians to resist this suppression. He emphasized, "Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust. His release is critical to upholding democracy and justice."
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