The Federal High Court in Asaba has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to show cause why detained journalist Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, should not be released unconditionally after spending 16 days in police custody over alleged cyberstalking.
The order was granted on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Hon. Justice F. A. Olubanjo, following an ex parte application filed by Fejiro’s counsel and prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.
Fejiro, the outspoken editor of Secret Reporters, has long been a fierce critic of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top political figures. He was arrested in Abuja on September 18 and subsequently flown to Asaba, following a petition allegedly initiated by the governor.
In the petition, Governor Oborevwori accused Fejiro of publishing a series of critical online posts, including one in which he referred to the governor as “Governor Sheriff Amuneke of Delta State.”
Other powerful figures who have reportedly petitioned the police against Fejiro include Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Hon. Stella Oketete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, whose ministerial nomination by President Tinubu was rejected by the Senate.
Since his arrest, Fejiro has remained in detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Asaba without being formally charged. His legal team, led by Inibehe Effiong and Austin Nyekigbe, Secretary of the NBA Udu Branch, informed the court that the journalist has been denied access to both his lawyers and family members.
After hearing submissions, Justice Olubanjo directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at 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 within 48 hours as to why the journalist should not be released unconditionally.
Both the police and Governor Oborevwori have been formally served with the court order.
The matter, filed as Suit No: FHC/ASB/CS/164/2025, has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for hearing.