Written by 
Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Friday condemned the
statement by the Nigerian Army regarding the arrest of investigative
journalist, Fisayo Soyombo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Adeyanju said the remark by the Nigerian Army regarding
Soyombo’s arrest indicated an attempted complicity to hide Naval officers
involved in oil theft.
He disclosed that top-ranking officers often exploit
postings to oil-rich regions to enrich themselves.
In a statement he signed, Adeyanju said Soyombo’s arrest
under the guise of oil theft is an attack on press freedom.
Soyombo alongside others were
arrested for oil bunkering and have been in custody of the Nigerian Army in
Port Harcourt for three days.
Condemning his arrest, Adeyanju faulted the remark issued by
the Nigerian Army.
However, Adeyanju said: “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. This
detention undermines accountability and must end immediately.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores
the Navy’s complicity in oil theft. Top-ranking officers often exploit postings
to oil-rich regions with the aim to enrich themselves. Without the Navy’s
involvement or approval, large-scale oil theft would be impossible,
perpetuating corruption and economic sabotage.
“Fisayo’s arrest and the seizure of his equipment are clear
attempts to intimidate investigative journalism. Nigerians deserve transparency
on oil theft, and silencing journalists like Fisayo erodes public trust. His
release is critical to upholding democracy and justice.
“I urge the government to respect press freedom and call on
civil society, the media, and Nigerians to resist this suppression. Fisayo must
be released immediately, and investigative journalism must be protected to
expose systemic corruption and safeguard our democracy.”
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