By Austin Ogwuda
Delta-born firebrand Social critic, Activist, Journalist, Fejiro Oliver, presently incarcerated in the custody of the Delta State Police Command’s headquarters, Asaba might not have only the Delta State Governor, other highly politically exposed persons and Police to contend with but also his supposedly colleagues in the Media, otherwise referred to as “immediate constituency”.
This followed a shocking revelation from the leadership of the Delta State Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ.
Although the position of the State Council was not made official but a close source told The Townhall that a top brass in the Council confided in him that Fejiro Oliver is not an accredited member.
According to the source quoting a top Executive Council member of the Delta State NUJ, “I have not come across this individual as a registered or practicing Journalist. I can categorically state that he is not recognized as a member of our union.
“For the sake of clarity and professional integrity”, he went on, “it is important that we refrain from referring to him (Fejiro Oliver) as a Journalist”.
The source further reminded The Townhall “this position although not formally communicated is the reason why the Union has distanced itself from his ordeal; how do you think that it couldn’t have reacted if the person involved is a bona fide member. At least it could have waded in, issue a press statement condemning the arrest and ongoing incarceration”.
Recall that only few Media houses notably the Online platforms gave prominence to the story immediately it broke and had been following it up.
However, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice F. A. Olubanjo has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to show cause within 48 hours why Fejiro Oliver should not be released unconditionally from custody.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by Fejiro’s counsel and Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong and Austin Nyekigbe in Suit No: FHC/ASB/CS/164/2025.
His lawyers, Inibehe Effiong and Austin Nyekigbe, who is the Secretary of the Udu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had told the court that the Police have denied Fejiro access to both legal counsel and members of his family since his arrest.
They further complained that he was not charged to any court after spending 16 days in detention on allegations of cyberstalking.
After carefully hearing submissions from Fejiro’s counsel, Justice Olubanjo, on Thursday then directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Asaba; the Commissioner of Police of Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun; the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents to respond within 48 hours as to why he should not be released unconditionally.
According to SaharaReporters, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori accused Fejiro of repeatedly publishing negative contents online.
“Other political figures who have reportedly submitted petitions against Fejiro include Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central Senatorial District 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”.
