From Umar Dankano, Yola
The International Press Center (IPC) has asked the Nigerian Military authorities to ensure unconditional and immediate release of an investigative Journalist, and the publisher of an online news portal, Fisayo Soyombo.
Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the IPC made this demand through a press release issued by the Press Freedom Officer, IPC, Melody Akinjiyan, noting that after the release, the military should follow the legal way for redress.
The statement read in part:
“The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria is demanding the immediate release of Nigerian investigative journalist and publisher of online newspaper, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo
“Soyombo was arrested and detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“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,” FIJ said.
“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.”
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