Ahead of Thursday’s scheduled court sitting at the Federal High Court in Asaba, there is rising concern over alleged plans by the Delta State Police Command to rearrest investigative Journalist and activist, Mr. Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, should he be granted bail by the court.
Oliver has now spent nearly three weeks in detention without trial, following his arrest in Abuja on the orders of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone, who accused him of defamation and cyberstalking.
Sources within the legal and activist community disclosed that despite the scheduled court hearing, there are covert efforts by the state government to prevent Oliver’s release. According to the sources, fresh plans have been activated to immediately rearrest him using two additional petitions allegedly submitted by Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (representing Delta South Senatorial District) and the Executive Director of NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete.
Oliver was arrested in Abuja and, in a dramatic turn of events, was flown via a chartered aircraft to Asaba, where he has since been held incommunicado. His arrest stems from a petition reportedly filed by Freeborn Eghagha, an aide to Governor Oborevwori, alleging that Oliver defamed the Governor by calling him “Governor Amuneke” in a series of critical reports posted online.
He is expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday, following a directive from the presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Asaba.
The journalist’s continued detention without trial has sparked nationwide outrage, particularly among civil society organizations, media practitioners, and concerned citizens. Many have described the action as an abuse of power and an attempt to muzzle press freedom.
On social media platforms, calls for Oliver’s release have intensified under the trending hashtag #FreeFejiroOliver, with thousands of Nigerians condemning what they call the weaponization of state power against dissent and investigative journalism.
Legal experts and human rights groups have warned that the prolonged detention of Oliver violates his constitutional right to a fair hearing and freedom of expression. Many have called on the judiciary to remain independent and resist any political pressure that may undermine justice.
Barrister Osagie Omoregie, a constitutional lawyer based in Lagos, described the case as “a test of Nigeria’s democracy and the judiciary’s ability to check executive overreach.”
Thursday’s court sitting is expected to be pivotal. While many anticipate the court may grant bail to the detained journalist, concerns are mounting that the state authorities are poised to undermine any judicial relief by orchestrating his immediate re-arrest using the new petitions.
Security is expected to be tight around the court premises amid rising tensions, as civil groups and press freedom advocates prepare to observe proceedings closely.
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