Tension gripped the Magistrate Court complex along Ibusa Road, Asaba, as journalists, police officers, and curious onlookers crowded the premises where investigative journalist and Secret Reporters publisher, Fejiro Oliver, appeared again before the law, this time, on two fresh defamation charges filed by the Delta State Government.
Fejiro, widely known for his fearless exposes and hard-hitting commentaries on public officials, was granted bail by two separate magistrates in both cases.
However, the journalist remains in custody, not for lack of bail, but allegedly due to a bureaucratic deadlock over bail verification involving a state ministry.
Two Fresh Cases Filed by the Delta State Government
Court records show that the new cases, marked CMA/529C/2025 and CMA/530C/2025, were filed by the Attorney General of Delta State.
In the first, Fejiro is accused of defaming Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) through a social media post in which he allegedly referred to the lawmaker as a “Blockhead Senator” and “politically useless.”
In the second, he is charged with publishing another critical post against Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and a rejected ministerial nominee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At Magistrate Court 3, presided over by Magistrate Edith Nkechi Anumadu, Fejiro was granted bail after his counsel, Austin Nyekigbe, Esq., argued, on behalf of lead counsel Inibehe Effiong, Esq., that the charges were politically motivated and designed to muzzle free expression.
Moments later, in Court 2, Magistrate Patricia Onyeisi Okoh also granted bail in the second case involving Hon. Okotete.
Representing the prosecution were A. O. Orhorhoro, Esq., Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and T. R. Anuhwin, Esq., both from the Delta State Ministry of Justice.
Despite the dual bail rulings, Fejiro remains detained, pending verification of his bail documents, a process sources described as “unnecessarily and suspiciously stalled.”
Ministry of Lands Fingered in Bail Verification Delay
Multiple defence sources allege that officials of the Delta State Ministry of Lands and Survey, the body responsible for verifying landed property submitted as surety, have refused to process Fejiro’s documents, effectively frustrating his release.
The development, according to legal observers, mirrors an earlier case before the Federal High Court, Asaba, where Fejiro was similarly granted bail on cyberstalking allegations filed by the Inspector General of Police on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), but was also held due to stalled verification.
Renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Barr. Omes Ogedegbe, condemned the situation, describing it as “a shameful abuse of state power.”
“Fejiro Oliver has met all legal conditions for his release,” Ogedegbe said.
“What we are witnessing is persecution, not prosecution. The Ministry of Lands has no legal justification for withholding verification, it is a deliberate act of intimidation.”
Courtroom Drama: Tension, Cameras, and Security Fears
As the hearings proceeded, eyewitnesses reported a heavy presence of plainclothes security operatives and suspected political thugs around the court premises, echoing previous incidents during Fejiro’s earlier appearances.
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense. Journalists, with cameras and phones raised to capture every moment.
One senior journalist in Asaba, who requested anonymity, described the scene as “a tense mix of law and politics.”
“Each time Fejiro appears in court, the tension is palpable,” the journalist said.
“It feels less like a trial and more like a test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom.”
Rights Groups Condemn Prolonged Detention
The Centre for Civic Liberty and Media Accountability (CCLMA) condemned the continuous detention and intimidation of Fejiro Oliver and other journalists critical of public officials.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Grace Umukoro, the group decried what it called “administrative suppression of due process.”
“The Delta State Government must ensure Fejiro’s safety and allow the rule of law to prevail,” she said.
“Silencing journalists through bureaucratic delay undermines democracy and weakens citizens’ trust in institutions.”
Fejiro’s Growing Legal Battle
Fejiro’s current detention brings to four the number of criminal cases filed against him in Delta State within two months, a pattern many see as coordinated political targeting.
Legal analysts warn that his ordeal could become a landmark test for Nigeria’s justice system and its protection of free expression.
“When journalists fear to speak truth to power, democracy becomes fragile,” one human rights advocate observed outside the court.
“Fejiro’s case isn’t just about one man—it’s about every journalist’s right to report without fear.”
Fejiro Oliver’s Legal Timeline
Date Court Complainant / Case Status
Sept 18, 2025 Federal High Court, Asaba Inspector General of Police – Alleged cyberstalking of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori & Sen. Ede Dafinone Bail granted; documents still unverified by Delta Ministry of Lands.
Oct 28, 2025 Magistrate Court 3, Asaba Delta State Government – Alleged defamation of Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (“Blockhead Senator” post) Bail granted.
Oct 28, 2025 Magistrate Court 2, Asaba Delta State Government – Alleged defamation of Hon. Stella Okotete Bail granted.
Ongoing, Four total active cases in Delta State Remains in custody pending verification
What Lies Ahead
For now, Fejiro Oliver remains at the Delta State Correctional Centre, a free man on paper but detained in practice.
As civil rights lawyers, journalists, and advocacy groups rally behind him, all eyes are on the Delta State Government and its next move.
Whether this case ends as a victory for justice or a cautionary tale of political overreach may ultimately define how far Nigeria’s democracy is willing to go to protect press freedom.
