Court Orders Police to Justify Detention of Gov Oborevwori Critic

A court in Delta State has given the Nigeria Police Force 48 hours to explain why journalist Tega Oghenedoro, also known as Fejiro Oliver, is still being held without charge.

The Federal High Court in Asaba issued the order after hearing an application from his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong. Mr Oghenedoro, who runs the investigative platform Secret Reporters, was arrested in Abuja on 18 September and transferred to Asaba after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori filed a petition against him.

The governor accused him of cyberstalking and mocking him in online posts that referred to him as “Governor Sheriff Amuneke.” Other politicians, including Senator Ede Dafinone, are also reported to have petitioned against the journalist.

His lawyers say he has been in custody for 16 days without access to family or legal counsel. The case will next be heard on 9 October. The police and Governor Oborevwori have been formally served with the court order, setting the stage for a legal showdown over the journalist’s continued detention.