Court Orders Police to Justify Detention of Journalist Fejiro Oliver Within 48 Hours

A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, has directed the Nigeria Police Force to explain within 48 hours why investigative journalist Tega Oghenedoro, known as Fejiro Oliver, should not be released unconditionally after spending 16 days in detention without formal charges.

The directive was issued on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Honorable Justice F. A. Olubanjo. The court order followed an ex parte application filed by Fejiro’s legal counsel, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong.

Fejiro Oliver, editor of the online platform Secret Reporters, is a prominent critic of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other officials. He was apprehended on September 18, 2025, at his Abuja office by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, reportedly acting on the orders of Governor Oborevwori. The journalist was swiftly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Asaba, where he has since been held without any formal charge.

Governor Oborevwori’s petition against Fejiro accuses the journalist of cyberstalking, citing his posts online that repeatedly referred to the Governor as “Governor Sheriff Amuneke of Delta State,” a moniker the Governor alleges is defamatory. Other political figures, including Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central Senatorial District and Honorable Stella Okotete, who lost her ministerial nomination amid controversy, have also submitted petitions seeking action against Fejiro.

Fejiro’s lawyers argued before the court that the journalist has been denied both legal representation and family visits during his detention. Justice Olubanjo ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State CID Asaba, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force to respond to the court within 48 hours, explaining why Fejiro should continue to be detained.

The police and Governor Oborevwori have been formally served with the court order. The case, tagged Suit No: FHC/ASB/CS/164/2025, has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the detention has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates, press freedom organizations, and civil society groups. Critics have described the arrest and prolonged detention as politically motivated, warning that it threatens freedom of expression and the democratic principle of accountability.

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Youth groups in Delta State have also staged protests demanding Fejiro’s immediate release or lawful arraignment. Legal experts highlight that under Nigerian law, suspects must be charged to court within 24 to 48 hours of arrest, and failure to do so constitutes unlawful detention.

The case continues to unfold amid rising calls for respect for press freedom and due process in Nigeria.