The Northern Youth Coalition (NYC) has accused investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo of engaging in a “personal vendetta” against the Nigerian Army, alleging that his actions are part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at discrediting the military.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, Umar Shekarau, the group’s coordinator, claimed that Soyombo had orchestrated events to provoke rights abuses by security personnel, later using the incidents to tarnish the reputation of the army.
“Soyombo, can you prove to Nigerians that you did not deliberately orchestrate the unfortunate scenario that provoked the rights abuses by those security personnel. Your narcissistic craze to always be right and your vendetta against the Nigerian Army are obvious,” Shekarau said.
The allegations stem from a recent controversy where two civilians, identified as Olatunbosun Taofeek and Rafiu Abdulmalik, were reportedly caught filming a security guard location, sparking a confrontation with soldiers and customs officials. Shekarau claimed the duo acted under Soyombo’s directive to provoke the security agents.
“Those men played your script, Mr. Soyombo,” Shekarau alleged. “They filmed the location openly, knowing full well it would provoke the security guards. You set them up and then were the first to break the news on your social media, feeding your ego trip.”
The NYC’s statement also recalled a previous incident in which Soyombo was arrested in Port Harcourt by military personnel during an investigation into oil bunkering, implying that his current actions are fueled by lingering resentment from that episode.
Shekarau went on to accuse Soyombo of exhibiting traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and called on him to seek therapy. “Your ego is seriously bruised, and you need help. Move on, Soyombo,” he added.