Nigerian investigative journalist and publisher of Secret Reporters News, Tega Oghenedoro (popularly known as Fejiro Oliver), has been freed after spending exactly 61 days in police and prison custody in Delta State. His release occurred on the morning of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, following prolonged delays in perfecting bail conditions despite court orders.
- Background of Detention: Mr. Oliver was arrested on September 18, 2025, at his office in Abuja and transferred to Asaba, Delta State. He faced multiple charges of cyberstalking and defamation under the Cybercrimes Act, stemming from his critical Facebook posts and reports accusing Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of incompetence, election rigging, and corruption, as well as similar allegations against Senator Ede Dafinone and others.
- Bail Grants and Delays: Courts granted him bail on multiple occasions (including October 16 by the Federal High Court and October 28 by two Magistrate Courts in Asaba), but police and state officials allegedly delayed verification of sureties and bond papers for weeks. Some reports indicate Governor Oborevwori eventually issued a direct order for his release, while others highlight a federal judge’s intervention forcing prompt action.
- Release Confirmation: Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, representing Mr. Oliver, announced the freedom on X (formerly Twitter), stating the journalist had regained his liberty after the “harrowing” ordeal.
- Broader Implications: The case has drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates, including CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), Amnesty International, and local groups, who describe it as a politically motivated attempt to silence critical journalism in the Niger Delta. It highlights ongoing misuse of cybercrime and defamation laws against reporters exposing corruption in oil-rich Delta State.
Mr. Oliver is expected to return to court on December 4, 2025, for the continuation of the defamation trials. No official statement yet from the Delta State Government or Police on the release.
