By Erewunmi Peace

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has raised alarm after its official Facebook page, FIJ Nigeria, was pulled down by Meta on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, citing alleged violations of cybersecurity community standards.

FIJ’s founder, Fisayo Soyombo, disclosed the development in a LinkedIn post, stating that the takedown came without clear justification. “Big tech company Meta has taken down FIJ Nigeria over ‘cybersecurity’ concerns,” Soyombo wrote, adding that the newsroom has appealed the decision.

Police Summon Soyombo in Ekiti

In a separate development, the Ekiti State Police Command has invited Soyombo to appear at its headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on September 15, 2025.

The police, in an official letter, said Soyombo was needed for questioning over allegations of conspiracy, criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and blackmail.

The summons follows FIJ’s series of investigative reports on the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), particularly concerning allegations against the Vice Chancellor, Abayomi Fasina.

Earlier this week, FIJ reporter Sodeeq Atanda was detained for about 11 hours by police in Ekiti before being released.

Press Freedom Concerns

The incidents have drawn criticism from media rights groups, who see them as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against investigative journalists in Nigeria.

The Human Rights Journalists Network (HRJN) condemned both Meta’s action and the police summons, describing them as “calculated attempts to silence critical voices and investigative journalism.”

What Next?

While Meta is yet to issue a detailed public explanation beyond the cybersecurity claim, FIJ insists its work does not fall under the cited violations and awaits a response to its appeal.

Soyombo is expected to honour the police invitation in Ekiti, even as concerns mount over the implications for press freedom and digital rights in Nigeria.