By Bunmi Yekini
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has expressed outrage over the arrest and detention of Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt. The organization has called for his immediate and unconditional release, labeling the act unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.
In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, criticized the Army’s actions as illegal, stating: “The Nigerian Army lacks the authority to arrest or detain civilians. In any event, it is a clear requirement under the Constitution that anyone who is deprived of personal liberty upon reasonable suspicion of committing a criminal offense must be charged to court within 24 hours. Both of these fundamental legal guarantees have been violated in Mr. Soyombo’s case.”
According to MRA, the Army’s detention of Mr. Soyombo for three days contradicts its constitutional mandate, which primarily focuses on national defense and supporting civil authorities in specific situations, such as suppressing insurrection or restoring order under presidential directive.
Citing legal precedent, Mr. Gbadamosi referred to a Federal High Court judgment from February 2021, which ruled that the Army lacks the authority to arrest or detain civilians not subject to military law. He emphasized: “Even if Mr. Soyombo has committed any crime, it is not the duty of the Nigerian Army to arrest him. This is the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Police as outlined in the Police Act.”
MRA also warned that such actions undermine Nigeria’s rule of law and international reputation. Mr. Gbadamosi urged President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to intervene: “The action of the Nigerian Army in arresting and detaining a journalist who is not subject to any military law constitutes a gross misuse of power and is deeply concerning.
We call on President Tinubu to restrain the Army and ensure they desist from this recurring abuse of authority.”
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and holding authorities accountable for overstepping their bounds.