Sam Philip
The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has called for immediate and unconditional release of a Nigerian investigative journalist and publisher of online newspaper, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo.
The journalist is said to have been arrested and detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a statement signed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC, “Information reaching the hub on Friday via @fijnigeria official X (formerly twitter) handle, indicates that Soyombo has been in the Army’s custody for the last three days.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime.
“SPJ is deeply worried about Soyombo’s safety considering that he has previously faced threats and harassments over investigative reports he published.
“SPJ demands the immediate release of Fisayo Soyombo from the Nigerian Army’s custody.”