By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
Fisayo Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist, has been released from detention by the Nigerian Army after a three-day ordeal. Soyombo’s arrest and detention sparked widespread outrage and calls for his release, with many Nigerians taking to social media to demand his freedom using the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow.
Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilization and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom
According to Soyombo, his detention was a result of his investigative work, and he was arrested at about 2am on Wednesday. He was grilled by different levels of the Army until late into the night and was not returned to his cell until around 11pm.
Soyombo’s case was forwarded to a superior office for interrogation on Thursday, but surprisingly, he was not summoned. It was not until Friday morning, around 11am, that he was retrieved from his cell and transferred to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB).
During his transfer, Soyombo encountered someone who recognized him and acknowledged his presence in the news. This encounter reinforced Soyombo’s belief that the public’s pressure and media attention played a significant role in securing his release.
This victory exists because of you, you and you
In a statement, Soyombo expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their support and advocacy, stating, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilization and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you!”
Soyombo’s detention and subsequent release have sparked concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria. His experience highlights the importance of a free press and the need for protection of journalists’ rights.
Read Also:Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Detained by Nigerian Army
