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‘Blatant Assault on Press Freedom’: Deji Adeyanju Condemns Fisayo Soyombo’s Arrest

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticized the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.

In a Friday statement, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed Soyombo’s detention, explaining that it stemmed from an operation aimed at dismantling a notorious gang engaged in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

The statement partly read: “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.

Responding to Fisayo Soyombo’s arrest, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju criticized it as a blatant assault on press freedom. He accused the military of attempting to suppress investigative journalism while turning a blind eye to alleged complicity by the Navy in large-scale oil theft.

His words, “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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