Court Gives Police 48 Hours to Justify Journalist Fejiro Oliver’s Detention Without Charge

A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to justify within 48 hours the continued detention of investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver, who has been held for 16 days without formal charges.

The order was issued on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Justice F. A. Olubanjo, following an ex parte application filed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong on behalf of the detained journalist.

Fejiro Oliver, the Delta-born editor of Secret Reporters, was arrested on September 18, 2025, at his office in Abuja and flown to Asaba following a petition from Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The journalist, known for his critical reporting on state affairs, has remained in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori’s petition accused Fejiro of persistent online publications allegedly aimed at defaming him, including repeated references to him as “Governor Sheriff Amuneke of Delta State.”

Other notable figures, including Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central and Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, are also said to have submitted petitions against Fejiro.

Despite the allegations, the journalist has not been formally charged, and his lawyers say he has been denied access to legal counsel and family.

Justice Olubanjo, after reviewing submissions from Fejiro’s legal team—including Effiong and Austin Nyekigbe, Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (Udu Branch)—issued the directive to several top police officials. Respondents named in the suit include the Deputy Commissioner of Police at State CID Asaba, the Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force.

All parties, including Governor Oborevwori, have been formally served with the court order.

The case, filed as Suit No: FHC/ASB/CS/164/2025, has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for hearing.

Source: Sahara Reporters