Prominent activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticised the Nigerian Army over the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, describing it as an attempt to shield naval officers involved in crude oil theft.
Adeyanju condemned Soyombo’s three-day detention in a signed statement on Friday, November 29, labelling it a direct attack on press freedom.
Soyombo and others were reportedly apprehended on allegations of oil bunkering.
“I condemn the unjust arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, a respected investigative journalist detained under the guise of anti-oil theft operations. This is an attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence his efforts to expose corruption,” Adeyanju said.
He further alleged that large-scale oil theft cannot occur without the involvement of high-ranking naval officers, who, according to him, exploit strategic postings in oil-rich regions for personal gain.
“It is alarming that the Nigerian Army’s statement ignores the Navy’s complicity. Without their approval, such theft would be impossible,” he added.
Adeyanju also decried the seizure of Soyombo’s equipment, emphasising that such actions erode public trust and undermine democracy.
“Fisayo’s arrest is a clear attempt to intimidate investigative journalism. Nigerians deserve transparency on oil theft,” he stated.
The activists called on civil society and Nigerians to resist suppression of press freedom. “Fisayo must be released immediately, and investigative journalism must be protected to expose systemic corruption,” Adeyanju concluded.
Soyombo’s arrest has sparked outrage among advocates of press freedom and transparency. Many call for his immediate release and an independent probe into the allegations.
