Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly criticized the Nigerian Army over the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Describing the incident as an attack on press freedom, Adeyanju alleged it was a ploy to shield Naval officers implicated in oil theft.
Soyombo, who was detained alongside others on allegations of oil bunkering, has reportedly been held in Army custody for three days. Adeyanju condemned the arrest, stating it undermines accountability and is an attempt to intimidate investigative journalism.
In his statement, Adeyanju highlighted the systemic corruption surrounding oil theft, accusing high-ranking Naval officers of exploiting their postings to oil-producing regions for personal gain. He argued that large-scale oil theft would be impossible without their collusion, labeling the Army’s stance as a deliberate effort to suppress transparency.
“The arrest of Fisayo Soyombo under the pretext of anti-oil theft operations is a direct assault on press freedom and an attempt to silence his critical work in exposing corruption,” Adeyanju remarked. “The Nigerian Army’s silence on the Navy’s involvement in oil theft is deeply troubling. Without such complicity, the scale of economic sabotage we witness today would be unachievable.”
Adeyanju also called attention to the confiscation of Soyombo’s equipment, describing it as an intimidation tactic meant to deter investigative journalism. He urged the government to uphold democratic principles by respecting press freedom and ensuring Soyombo’s immediate release.
“Nigerians deserve transparency on issues like oil theft,” he continued. “Silencing journalists like Fisayo Soyombo erodes public trust, weakens democracy, and perpetuates systemic corruption. I call on civil society, the media, and all Nigerians to stand against this suppression. His release is critical for justice and accountability.”
Adeyanju concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting investigative journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and a tool for exposing corruption.
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