The Nigerian Army has released investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.

According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), this development followed an intense media campaign advocating for his release.

In a social media post on Friday, FIJ revealed that the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had detained its founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days.

“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ wrote.

In its response, the Nigerian Army, through the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, stated that Soyombo was arrested at an illegal bunkering site.

Confirming Soyombo’s release on Friday evening, FIJ in a post via X said: “We can confirm that our founder @fisayosoyombo has now been released by @HQNigerianArmy, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.

“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in “illegal oil bunkering”. FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.

“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of ‘Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release.”

A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bobrisky had sought N200 million from the EFCC for “psychotic trauma” and demanded N1 billion from the National Assembly for the “violation of his right to a fair hearing.”

He also urged the court to restrain the EFCC and the National Assembly from “harassing, detaining, or declaring him wanted.”

Bobrisky has been embroiled in controversy after social media influencer Martins Otse leaked an audio recording alleging that he paid the EFCC N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.

Delivering judgement on the case, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled on November 28, that Bobrisky’s claims of rights violations lacked merit and were unsupported by credible evidence.

The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

“Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him,” the judge ruled.

“I hold that the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court.

“The Applicant’s claims against the 1st and 2nd Respondents lack merit and are accordingly dismissed.”

Justice Owoeye also refused to award damages against the EFCC.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Friday, paid tribute to his late wife and First Lady, Patience, during her funeral service held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area of the state.

The governor described his late wife as his anchor and vowed never to forget her or refer to her in the past tense, promising to keep her memory alive in his heart.

“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever,” Eno said with emotion.

Reflecting on their 40-year journey together, Eno expressed gratitude for the blessings they enjoyed as a couple and found solace in their children and grandchildren.

“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memory. As I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago has been one of growth and immeasurable blessings. We will be fine,” he said.

“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my ‘Oluwakemi,’ alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart,” he added, his voice filled with emotion.

In her remarks, the wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nana, lauded the late First Lady’s contributions to humanity and urged the family to uphold her legacy.

Rev. Simeon Afolabi, of First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, delivered a heartfelt homily titled “When the Death of Loved Ones Occurs.”

He emphasised that the passing of a loved one strains the world because of the impact they made during their life.

“Anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone,” Afolabi said, drawing inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, and encouraging the family to emulate the virtues of their late mother.

Her death was reported on September 26, 2024.

The funeral service was graced by a host of dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Others include: Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, and several other dignitaries who came to pay their last respects.