Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
(Credit: Sahara Reporters)
ASABA, Nigeria — In what human rights advocates have described as another test of press freedom and the fight against oppression in Nigeria, renowned investigative journalist Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and several top police officials over alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and violation of his fundamental human rights.
According to Sahara Reporters, Fejiro’s suit was filed at the Federal High Court, Asaba, by his counsel, Inibehe Effiong, Esq., a prominent human rights lawyer. Other respondents include Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank; the Inspector General of Police; the Delta State Commissioner of Police; DCP Adegoke Alani; and CSP Solomon Nwokolo.
Fejiro was reportedly arrested on September 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, allegedly acting on the orders of Governor Oborevwori. The journalist was taken from his office in Garki, Abuja, and transferred to Asaba, Delta State, where he has since remained in police custody. On October 4, Fejiro was charged for allegedly cyberstalking the governor and Senator Dafinone via a series of Facebook posts described by the police as defamatory.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that his arrest, transfer, and prolonged detention without court order were unconstitutional and violated his rights to liberty, dignity, privacy, and movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Fejiro is demanding ₦1 billion in general and exemplary damages, alongside a public apology to be published in three national newspapers. The Federal High Court in Asaba has since ordered the police to show cause within 48 hours for his continued detention after 16 days without formal arraignment.
The case has reignited public concern over growing suppression of dissenting voices and independent journalism in Nigeria. Media observers say Fejiro’s ordeal mirrors a troubling pattern of using state power to silence journalists and activists who expose corruption and hold leaders accountable.
Free speech, a pillar of any democracy, appears under siege as journalists face threats, arrests, and intimidation for performing their watchdog role. Analysts argue that until Nigeria enforces stronger protections for media practitioners, freedom of expression will remain a fragile ideal.
Fejiro’s determination to challenge his detention, however, stands as a bold resistance to state oppression — a reminder that the press remains the voice of the voiceless in the face of tyranny.
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