The Institute on Friday described the arrest and subsequent detention of Fisayo as a reminder of what those who hold authorities to account face in doing so.
The Reuters Institute of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom has joined the growing condemnation of the detention of its alumnus and investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo by authorities of the Nigerian Army.
The Institute on Friday described the arrest and subsequent detention of Fisayo as a reminder of what those who hold authorities to account face in doing so.
“We are proud to have hosted Fisayo Soyombo as a journalist fellow and we are deeply concerned about his arrest. He is an oustanding investigative journalist and an alumnus of our program, where he worked on timely project on the campaigns to tarnish journalists’ reputation”
“Fisayo’s arrest is a reminder of the challenges faced by many colleagues who hold power to account. Journalism is not a crime and shouldn’t be treated as such. We hope the rule of law is followed and upheld this case.”
Here's a statement from @risj_oxford Acting Director @MitaliLive about our alumnus @fisayosoyombo, who was arrested in Nigeria earlier this week
✍️ Details about the case https://t.co/7s28yt1HtT
🔗A link to Fisayo's project at the Institute https://t.co/CittMtawOe https://t.co/cAgXbG0gfI pic.twitter.com/D547HLTYhC— Reuters Institute (@risj_oxford) November 29, 2024
SaharaReporters earlier reported the arrest and detention of Fisayo Soyombo for three days by the Nigerian Army authorities.
The army authorities had accused him of being found at an illegal bunkering point in Rivers State.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Soyombo was reportedly arrested and detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It was gathered that Soyombo’s detention may be linked to his work exposing corruption and smugglers aided by the Nigerian Customs Services.
Soyombo, known for his investigative reporting on high-profile issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has previously faced various threats and harassment.
"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 had also said.