Delta Journalist Sues Gov Oborevwori, Others for ₦1Billion

Delta investigative journalist, Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, has filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Stella Okotete, an executive director at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Asaba, also lists the Inspector General of Police and senior officers of the Delta State Police Command as respondents.

Fejiro was arrested on 19 September in Abuja by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department and later transferred to Asaba, allegedly on the orders of Governor Oborevwori. He remains in police custody after being charged on 4 October with alleged cyberstalking of the governor and Senator Dafinone through social media posts. His detention prompted a court order last week directing the police to explain why he has not been released after more than two weeks in custody.

The journalist, through his lawyer Inibehe Effiong, is challenging what he calls a violation of his rights to dignity, liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement. The suit seeks declarations that his arrest and detention were unlawful and demands ₦1 billion in general and exemplary damages.

Fejiro is also asking the court to order the respondents to publish an apology in three national newspapers and to issue a perpetual injunction restraining further arrests or interference with his rights.