Fisayo Soyombo

Introduction: A Beacon of Courage in Journalism

Fisayo Soyombo is a name synonymous with fearless, ground-breaking investigative journalism in Nigeria and across Africa. As the Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), he has established himself as one of the most consequential figures in contemporary Media & Journalism. Born in 1990, Soyombo’s work is characterized by an unwavering commitment to exposing corruption, holding power to account, and giving voice to the marginalized. His most notable achievement, a daring undercover investigation into Nigeria’s criminal justice system, earned him international acclaim and multiple awards, solidifying his reputation as a journalist who risks his own safety for the truth. Fisayo Soyombo represents a new generation of African journalists using innovative methods to tackle systemic issues.

Early Life and Education: The Formative Years

Fisayo Soyombo was born in 1990 in Nigeria, a nation with a vibrant yet challenging media landscape. Details about his specific hometown and early family life are kept private, a common practice for journalists working on sensitive issues. His passion for storytelling and justice, however, became evident early on. He pursued his higher education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), one of Nigeria’s premier institutions, where he studied Communication. It was during his university years that Soyombo likely honed his writing skills and developed a critical understanding of the media’s role in society.

His formative experiences were shaped by the environment around him — a country rich in potential but plagued by governance challenges and corruption. After graduating, Soyombo cut his teeth in the fast-paced world of Nigerian newsrooms. He served as the Editor of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), and later as the Political Editor for Yahoo News Nigeria. These roles provided him with crucial experience in political reporting and in-depth journalism, laying the technical and ethical foundation for the daring undercover work he would later undertake. This period was essential in shaping his perspective on the power of evidence-based, patient journalism to effect change.

Career and Major Achievements: Exposing Truth at Great Risk

The career trajectory of Fisayo Soyombo is a testament to the impact of immersive, investigative reporting. His work goes beyond mere documentation; it involves living the stories he tells. His major achievements have not only won awards but have also sparked national debates and, in some cases, official inquiries.

The Undercover Prison Investigation: A Landmark Exposé

In 2019, Soyombo executed his most dangerous and celebrated investigation. For two weeks, he went undercover — first as a drug trafficker arrested in the Alagbon Close police station in Ikoyi, and then as a inmate transferred to the notorious Ikoyi Prison. His goal was to expose the deep-rooted corruption and inhuman conditions within Nigeria’s criminal justice system from the inside. The resulting series, published in October 2019, revealed shocking details:

• Police officers demanding bribes for bail and even for basic amenities like food.
• Prison officials running a thriving black market for essentials.
• Systemic torture, malnutrition, and overcrowding in the prison.

The investigation, titled "Undercover as a Nigerian Prison Inmate," sent shockwaves through the country. It led to immediate reactions from the Nigerian government, including the suspension of some implicated officials and a promise of reform. The work earned him the prestigious Kurt Schork Award in International Journalism (2020) and the Free Press Award for Outstanding Investigative Reporting (2020).

Founding the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)

Building on the momentum and recognizing the need for a dedicated platform for such work, Fisayo Soyombo founded the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) in 2020. As Founder, he created an institution focused exclusively on in-depth, accountability journalism. Under his leadership, FIJ has broken numerous significant stories, including exposés on:

• Corruption in COVID-19 relief fund distribution.
• Security force atrocities.
• Financial malfeasance in government agencies.

FIJ operates with a model that combines traditional digging with forensic analysis and undercover techniques, becoming a thorn in the side of corrupt entities and a reliable source of truth for Nigerians.

Other Notable Investigations and Impact

Beyond the prison story, Soyombo’s portfolio is rich with impactful work. He has investigated and exposed:

• The "Akure Leaks," revealing how a state government diverted funds meant for palliatives during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Corruption within the police’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) prior to the nationwide #EndSARS protests.
• Numerous stories on electoral fraud and political corruption.

His journalism has directly led to the arrest of corrupt officials, the recovery of public funds, and the reform of abusive systems. The impact of his work underscores the vital role of a free press in a democracy like Nigeria.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact

Fisayo Soyombo maintains a relatively private personal life, a necessity given the sensitive nature of his work and the very real threats faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria. He is known to be deeply passionate about mentoring young journalists, often emphasizing the importance of courage, integrity, and meticulous fact-checking. His commitment extends beyond publishing stories; he is actively involved in building sustainable structures for investigative journalism in Africa.

His legacy is already profound. Fisayo Soyombo has inspired a wave of journalists to pursue accountability journalism, demonstrating that with rigor and bravery, change is possible. He has shown that journalism can be a direct tool for justice, not just a passive recorder of events. Through FIJ, he is institutionalizing this ethos, ensuring that the practice of fearless investigation continues beyond any single individual. His work has contributed significantly to the global understanding of governance challenges in Nigeria and has set a new standard for what is possible in African investigative reporting.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

As a journalist focused on public service rather than commercial gain, Fisayo Soyombo's precise net worth is not publicly disclosed and is not the focus of his public profile. His primary "venture" is the non-profit Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). The organization relies on grants, donations, and fellowship funding to sustain its operations, as its work is not driven by advertising revenue. Soyombo’s success is measured not in personal wealth, but in the impact of his stories—the corrupt officials exposed, the policies changed, and the lives impacted. Any financial resources he accrues are typically reinvested into funding further investigations and supporting the operational capacity of FIJ. His business model is one of journalistic integrity and social impact, proving that the most valuable currency in his field is credibility and truth.

For more information on his work, you can visit the Foundation for Investigative Journalism website. His award-winning undercover investigation can be found through major journalism award archives like the Kurt Schork Awards.