JUST IN: Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Reportedly Detained by Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reportedly detained investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo. This was disclosed by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which Soyombo founded, in a social media post on Friday morning.

According to the FIJ’s statement on X, Soyombo has been in detention for three days. The organization described the situation as unjust, stating, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime.”

The Army has not issued any official response to the reported detention.

Soyombo, a well-known investigative journalist, has built a reputation for exposing corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations. Earlier this month, he released a series of videos alleging smuggling operations involving officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

In a public statement, Soyombo claimed that customs personnel had colluded with a smuggler to illegally transport approximately 2,000 vehicles and smuggle bags of rice into the country. He alleged that the operation was planned for Sunday, November 10, 2024.