Asaba, Delta State, Delta-born investigative journalist and publisher, Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, has been remanded in Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba.
The decision came after his first court appearance on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the court adjourning his bail hearing to October 16, 2025.
Oliver’s remand marks a new twist in a case that has drawn widespread public attention, as he had already spent nearly three weeks in detention without trial following his arrest in Abuja.
His arrest was reportedly linked to a petition allegedly instigated by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone, both accusing him of defamation and cyberstalking.
According to reports, the journalist was flown to Asaba on a chartered aircraft after his arrest and has since been held incommunicado.
His detention has sparked public debate about press freedom and the misuse of cybercrime laws to silence journalists and critics.
Court filings obtained from the Federal High Court, Asaba Judicial Division, reveal that the police accused Fejiro Oliver of committing offences punishable under Section 24 (2) (c) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
In the first charge, Oliver was accused of publishing statements on his Facebook page that allegedly defamed Governor Oborevwori.
The prosecution claimed that between August and July 2025, Oliver made “malicious publications” referring to the governor as ‘Governor Amuneke’, and alleging that:
- the governor “travelled to Brazil secretly without public knowledge,”
- “awarded multi-billion naira contracts to his boys for election rigging,” and
- “sent officials to China to inspect CNG buses at government expense.”
The police further alleged that Oliver described the governor as a “sleeping governor who rigged election,” statements they say were intended to damage his reputation.
In a separate charge, the journalist was also accused of making similar publications targeting Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District.
The prosecution claimed that Oliver referred to the senator in various posts as a “sleeping senator,” “grossly incompetent,” “POS senator,” “betraying ingrate,” and a “scammer in NASS.”
The charge alleged that these remarks were designed to malign and discredit the senator in the eyes of the public.
The court documents indicate that the alleged offences constitute cyberstalking and defamation under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, which carry serious penalties including imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Fejiro Oliver has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit before the same court, accusing the respondents, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and NEXIM Bank Executive Director Stella Okotete, of orchestrating his arrest and detention in violation of his constitutional rights.
Also joined in the suit are the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, DCP Adegoke Alani of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and CSP Solomon Nwokolo of the Delta Police Command.
The journalist is seeking redress for what he described as the breach of his dignity, liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement.
Observers note that the case underscores the growing tension between press freedom and political authority in Nigeria, with media rights advocates calling for a review of cybercrime laws to prevent their use as tools for political persecution.
The court is expected to resume hearing on October 16, 2025, when Oliver’s bail application will be determined.
