Fisayo Soyombo, a renowned Nigerian investigative journalist, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support, which led to his release from detention after just three days.
Soyombo was arrested by the Nigerian Army on an "illegal oil bunkering site" in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The army claimed he was undergoing preliminary investigation to determine his level of involvement in the oil theft incident ¹.
However, Soyombo's detention sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians taking to social media to demand his release using the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow. The campaign gained significant traction, and Soyombo was eventually released on Friday evening, November 29.
In a statement on X, Soyombo thanked Nigerians for their pressure, which he believes led to his swift release. He recounted his ordeal, stating that he was grilled by different levels of the Army until late into the night and was not returned to his cell until around 11 pm on Wednesday ².
Soyombo's experience highlights the power of collective action and the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable. His release is a testament to the impact of public pressure and the role of social media in amplifying voices and demanding justice.
As Soyombo himself noted, "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!" ².
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and the role of journalists in uncovering the truth. It also highlights the power of collective action and the impact that individuals can have when they come together to demand justice.