By JOHN OGUNSEMORE

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has said he spent only three days in the Nigerian Army’s detention because of “pressure” from Nigerians.

On Friday, Soyombo’s Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) disclosed on X that the Army had been holding the award-winning journalist for three days.

The revelation sparked a public outcry, especially on social media, with many Nigerians and civil society organisations demanding his release.

In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma confirmed Soyombo’s detention.

He said the journalist was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site during an intelligence-led operation against oil theft in Port Harcourt.

FIJ confirmed its founder’s release on Friday evening.

In an X post on Saturday, Soyombo expressed gratitude to Nigerians for pushing for his release.

He said his ordeal has further disproved the popular saying that Nigerians are not worth fighting for.

Recounting his ordeal, Soyombo said, “Yesterday, you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by @HQNigerianArmy lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.

“After my arrest at about 2 am on Wednesday, I was grilled by different levels of the Army until deep into the night. I didn’t return to my cell until at least 11 pm on Wednesday. My case was then forwarded to a superior office that was to interrogate me on Thursday.

“Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful; from morning until night, this office never sent for me. 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.

“To my utmost surprise, on Friday morning, at about 11 am or thereabouts, I was retrieved from my cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). It was during the transfer that someone who ran into me asked to know my name, after which they said: “You’re the one; you’re in the news.”

Appreciating the support from Nigerians, Soyombo said, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilisation and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you!” (Saturday Sun)