Fisayo Soyombo Released on Bail Following Voluntary Surrender to Nigerian Police

Fisayo Soyombo Released on Bail Following Voluntary Surrender to Nigerian Police

By Muminat Ajide

Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), voluntarily surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) today, amidst reports of being wanted.

This move comes after earlier announcements via his social media handles, where he anticipated possible detention.

“After over seven hours in custody, I have been released on bail,” Soyombo confirmed in a statement on his official X page.

The journalist clarified that his detention was related to FIJ’s coverage of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs Nigeria (OSSAP-SDGs), led by Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. Similar incidents involving his colleagues, Daniel OJukwu and FIJ’s Board Chair, Bukky Shonibare, have raised concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.

“This temporary freedom comes with conditions, including a requirement to report back to NPF-NCCC in two weeks,” Soyombo continued. Despite the challenges, he expressed determination to continue his investigative work, hinting at an upcoming expose slated for release in the coming weeks.

Earlier in March, the NPF-NCCC’s actions involved summoning Bukky Shonibare, allegedly in a bid to locate Soyombo, who was abroad at the time.

FIJ’s reporting has recently spotlighted issues such as smuggling facilitated by officials within the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), revealing corruption networks and their ties to influential figures.

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