Soldiers from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Friday released an investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo arrested at an oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement on Friday, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), an organisation founded by Mr Soyombo, confirmed his release.
The statement reads: “We can confirm that our founder Fisayo Soyombo has now been released by the Nigerian Army, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in illegal oil bunkering. FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.
“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention.
“We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release.”
Clarifying Soyombo’s arrest earlier, spokesman of 6 Division Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma said he was taken into custody by army personnel on patrol at the site of an illegal oil bunkering.
