Outrage As Delta Police Prolong Detention Of Journalist Fejiro Oliver For Calling Governor Oborevwori “Amuneke”

Two weeks after his controversial arrest in Abuja and subsequent transfer to Delta State, Nigerian investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver is still being detained by the police over alleged cybercrime linked to remarks he reportedly made about Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

According to Sahara Reporter, Oliver, a Delta-born journalist widely known for his outspoken views on governance, was arrested for allegedly referring to Governor Oborevwori as “Amuneke”, a description the governor reportedly considered offensive and damaging to his reputation.

His prolonged detention has drawn increasing criticism from press freedom advocates, who argue that it represents an abuse of authority and an infringement on his fundamental rights.

A source with knowledge of the matter told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that “despite repeated calls for Oliver’s release, the Delta State police have continued to hold him under the governor’s directive”, the source said.

On September 19, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) arrested Oliver on the orders of Governor Oborevwori. He was reportedly taken from his office in Garki, Abuja, to the FID headquarters and later flown to Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Oliver, widely known for his investigative work and frequent criticisms of the state administration, has long accused Governor Oborevwori of mismanaging public resources and supporting what he described as the repression of citizens by security forces.

His arrest followed closely on the heels of another controversy involving the governor’s aide. On September 13, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that Okono Kelvin, Special Assistant on Media to the governor, issued a public threat against human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore after Sowore criticized the state government.

Kelvin’s comments came in reaction to Sowore’s condemnation of a state policy that banned civil servants from wearing artificial nails, eyelashes, and certain hairstyles—a policy Sowore described as an unwarranted intrusion into personal freedoms.

The post sparked widespread criticism from the public, with many describing Kelvin’s remarks as unprofessional and unbecoming of a government representative.

A commentator, Dedevwo Israel Ejiroghene, criticized Kelvin’s loyalty to the governor.

Another social media user, Sweet Daddykay Talks, questioned Kelvin’s perceived overzealousness, highlighting that a few infrastructural achievements should not be grounds to declare Oborevwori the best governor.

Ogodogu Oghenekaro warned Kelvin that his behavior could land him in trouble that the governor might be unable to resolve.

Prince Frank Laju lamented what he described as the rising number of unprofessional media aides in Delta State.

Another user, Edhere Oreva-Oghene, challenged Kelvin and the governor over their perceived inability to address social issues in the state.

Similarly, Okotie Oghenesede criticized Kelvin for what he described as a lack of education and civility.

The controversy has intensified public scrutiny of the Delta State government’s stance on dissent and freedom of expression, with human rights advocates demanding Oliver’s immediate release and calling on authorities to uphold press freedom.

Source: Informationng