The Nigerian Army has publicly explained the circumstances behind the detention of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who has been held for three days in Port Harcourt.

The Army confirmed that Soyombo’s arrest took place during a military operation focused on combating illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, clarified that Soyombo’s arrest was linked to a larger operation aimed at dismantling a gang involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the Niger Delta region.

READ ALSO: I Felt Like I Was Dying’ – Omotola Jalade Reveals Health Struggles

“The Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said. “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”

Soyombo’s detention came to light after the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) raised the alarm. The organization took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concern for Soyombo, calling attention to the situation: “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime.”

The Army confirmed that Soyombo is among several individuals currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their involvement in the illegal activities. Danjuma emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and clarified that the journalist’s arrest was tied to the activities of oil thieves in the region.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region,” Danjuma stated. “It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”

The Army reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft, which it says is a major threat to Nigeria’s oil and gas production. However, Soyombo’s supporters and press freedom advocates continue to question the circumstances surrounding his arrest, calling for transparency and further clarification.

The Osun State Executive Council (OSEC) has approved the appointment of Prince Jokotola Olayinka Tunde as the new Olujudo of Ido-Osun, Egbedore Local Government.

It was gathered that he ascends the throne vacated by the late Oba Aderemi Adedapo.

According to Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the stool of Olojodo of Ido-Osun is regulated by the 1956 registered declaration which shows that it was the turn of the Adenko ruling house to occupy the stool.

Alimi noted that the selection process followed due process and comply with extant laws.

ALSO READ: Atiku Gloats Over AUN’s Achievements Ahead Of 20th Anniversary

The Council enjoins the new traditional ruler to work for the peace and progress of the town and the state at large.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke had earlier tasked members of the Council not to relent on delivery of democratic dividends as the price for hard work is more hard work.

“We are witnessing the praises and accolades for our government from far and near. The public has delivered a strong positive verdict on our government.

“But we must all know that the price for hard work is more hard work. All those high praises are for us to further intensify our drive to deliver on the five-point agenda.

“We must not slow down. We have a duty to sustain and even increase the tempo of our delivery. We must continue to innovate and expand our policy ideas.

“All eyes are on us. We must not fail thousands and even millions of our admirers out there”, the Governor told Council members.

Gov Adeleke presided over the Council meeting alongside the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye and Commissioners and cabinet advisers to the State Governor.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed the reappointment of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term, effective September 1, 2025.

This announcement was made on Friday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The WTO’s General Council approved the reappointment by consensus, citing Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the organization’s future.

READ MORE: UBA Takes Innovative Financial Solutions To France

The decision follows a transparent selection process initiated on October 8, 2024, overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council.

“With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate,” the WTO stated.

“The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).”

Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment was formally endorsed after a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, where she presented her forward-looking vision for the WTO.

Following a Q&A session with members, the Council reaffirmed their confidence in her leadership.

“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term,” the statement continued.

“Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

Recall that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala first assumed the role of Director-General on March 1, 2021, making history as both the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.