Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the media for the overwhelming support that secured his release after spending three days in the custody of the Nigerian Army.
Soyombo, who was detained early Wednesday morning, recounted his ordeal in a statement on Saturday, revealing how solidarity campaigns, including the #FreeFisayoNow hashtag, played a pivotal role in his release.
“Yesterday, you proved me right,” Soyombo stated. “You all are the reason my detention lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements and the traditional media’s efforts. And I can prove it.”
The journalist detailed how he was arrested at 2 a.m. on Wednesday and subjected to extensive interrogation throughout the day. He was subsequently placed in a cell by nightfall.
Despite expectations of further questioning on Thursday, Soyombo said no additional inquiries were made. Instead, he was informed that the Army would take its time to verify his identity as an investigative journalist.
“Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful,” he recounted. “I soon learnt the Army would take ‘as long as it wanted’ to conduct their ‘investigation’ just to establish that I was indeed an investigative journalist.”
Soyombo revealed that a breakthrough occurred on Friday during a transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade. An officer who encountered him recognised his name from the widespread media coverage and advocacy campaigns.
“Someone ran into me and asked to know my name, after which they said: ‘You’re the one; you’re in the news.’”
This recognition, coupled with persistent public pressure, led to his eventual release later that day.
The journalist acknowledged the collective efforts that culminated in his freedom, highlighting the importance of advocacy and press freedom.
“The hashtag #FreeFisayoNow trended widely across social media, drawing the attention of human rights activists, journalists, and concerned citizens. Traditional media outlets also amplified the campaign, raising critical questions about press freedom and due process,” he noted.
“Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, held incommunicado. This victory exists because of you. Thank you!”
Soyombo’s experience underscores the power of public advocacy in holding institutions accountable, particularly in cases involving press freedom and human rights.
