In a bold and unprecedented legal action that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and media landscapes, Tega Samson Oghenedoro, a Delta State-born investigative journalist widely known as Fejiro Oliver, has initiated a N1 billion lawsuit against a formidable array of defendants, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Asaba, also names high-ranking law enforcement officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Adegoke Alani, who heads the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and CSP Solomon Nwokolo of the Delta State Police Command.
The suit, brought forward by Fejiro’s legal counsel, prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong of Inibehe Effiong Chambers, seeks to address what the plaintiff describes as egregious violations of his fundamental human rights. These include his rights to dignity, personal liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 37, and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The plaintiff is demanding N1 billion in general and exemplary damages for the alleged violations, alongside other significant reliefs, such as a public apology to be published in three national newspapers.
The Genesis of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from Fejiro Oliver’s arrest on September 18, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja. According to reports, the arrest was carried out on the alleged orders of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a claim that has fueled speculation about political motivations behind the journalist’s detention. Fejiro was apprehended at his office in Garki, a bustling commercial district in Nigeria’s capital city, and subsequently taken to the FID headquarters. From there, he was transported to Asaba, the capital of Delta State, where he has been held in custody at the Anti-Kidnapping Department.
On October 4, 2025, Fejiro was charged in court with cyberstalking, a charge leveled against him for allegedly posting defamatory content on Facebook targeting Governor Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone. The police have described the posts as defamatory, though the specific content of the posts has not been publicly disclosed in detail. The charges have sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether they represent a legitimate legal action or an attempt to silence a journalist known for his fearless investigative reporting.
Fejiro’s detention, which has now extended beyond 16 days, has drawn sharp criticism from media organizations, civil society groups, and human rights advocates across Nigeria and beyond. The Federal High Court in Asaba recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to provide justification for Fejiro’s continued detention or release him unconditionally. This judicial intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the growing concern over the legality of his arrest and prolonged detention without proper arraignment.
The Lawsuit: A Fight for Fundamental Rights
The lawsuit, formally titled Tega Samson Oghenedoro (Alias Fejiro Oliver) v. Governor of Delta State & 7 Others, names the following respondents: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (1st respondent), Senator Ede Dafinone (2nd respondent), Stella Okotete (3rd respondent), CSP Solomon Nwokolo (4th respondent), DCP Adegoke Alani (5th respondent), the Delta State Commissioner of Police (6th respondent), the Nigeria Police Force (7th respondent), and the Inspector General of Police (8th respondent). The suit alleges that these respondents, acting individually or in concert, orchestrated Fejiro’s unlawful arrest, detention, and violation of his constitutional and human rights.
Fejiro’s legal team is seeking a range of declarations and orders from the court, which are meticulously detailed in the suit:
Declaration of Fundamental Rights: The plaintiff seeks a judicial affirmation that, as a Nigerian citizen, Fejiro is entitled to the full enjoyment, protection, and enforcement of his fundamental rights to dignity, personal liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement. These rights are enshrined in Sections 34, 35, 37, and 41 of the Nigerian Constitution and reinforced by Articles 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Unlawful Arrest Without Warrant: The suit contends that Fejiro’s arrest on September 18, 2025, was executed without a valid warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. The plaintiff argues that the arrest, allegedly instigated by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents and carried out by the 4th to 8th respondents, constitutes a gross violation of his right to personal liberty under Section 35 of the Constitution and Article 6 of the African Charter. The transfer of Fejiro from Abuja to Delta State without proper legal authorization further exacerbates this violation.
Prolonged and Unjustifiable Detention: The plaintiff asserts that his detention from September 18 to September 30, 2025 (the date of filing the suit), without being brought before a court for arraignment or supported by a valid court order, is unconstitutional and unjustifiable. This prolonged detention is described as a breach of Fejiro’s rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement, as guaranteed by Sections 34, 35, and 41 of the Constitution and Articles 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter.
Violation of Privacy: The suit alleges that CSP Solomon Nwokolo, in collaboration with other officers of the Nigeria Police Force, seized and accessed the contents of Fejiro’s personal mobile phone without a lawfully issued warrant. This action is described as an illegal and unconstitutional breach of his right to privacy under Section 37 of the Constitution.
Demand for Public Apology: The plaintiff is seeking a court order compelling the respondents, jointly and severally, to publish an unreserved written apology in three national newspapers for violating his fundamental rights. This demand underscores the plaintiff’s assertion that the respondents’ actions have caused significant reputational and emotional harm.
Monetary Damages: The suit requests N1 billion in general and exemplary damages to compensate Fejiro for the harm caused by the alleged violations and to serve as a deterrent against future abuses of power.
Perpetual Injunction: The plaintiff seeks a court order restraining the respondents, their agents, or any associated parties from further arresting or interfering with Fejiro’s dignity, liberty, or other fundamental rights.
Additional Reliefs: The suit includes a request for any further orders the court may deem fit to grant in the interest of justice.
The Broader Context: Press Freedom in Nigeria
Fejiro Oliver’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, a country where press freedom is under increasing threat. According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Nigeria ranks poorly, reflecting a troubling environment for journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented numerous cases of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violence against media professionals in the country. Investigative journalists like Fejiro, who focus on exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable, are particularly vulnerable to state-backed intimidation.
The charge of cyberstalking, under which Fejiro has been detained, is rooted in Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. While the law was intended to address online crimes such as fraud and hacking, critics argue that its vague provisions, particularly those related to cyberstalking, are increasingly being weaponized to target journalists, bloggers, and activists. The lack of clear definitions for terms like “defamatory” or “offensive” content allows authorities to interpret the law broadly, often to silence dissent.
Fejiro’s case highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the state’s efforts to regulate digital spaces. Social media platforms like Facebook, where Fejiro allegedly posted the contentious content, have become critical tools for journalists to disseminate information and engage with the public. However, they have also become battlegrounds where powerful figures seek to control narratives and suppress criticism. The use of cyberstalking charges in this case raises questions about whether the law is being applied fairly or being manipulated to serve political ends.
The Respondents: Power and Influence
The inclusion of high-profile figures like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Stella Okotete in the lawsuit has elevated its significance. Oborevwori, who assumed office as Delta State Governor in 2023, has faced scrutiny over his administration’s handling of dissent and media criticism. As a key political figure in one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states, his alleged involvement in Fejiro’s arrest has sparked speculation about efforts to shield his administration from journalistic scrutiny.
Senator Dafinone, representing Delta Central, is a relatively new figure in Nigeria’s political scene, having been elected in 2023. His inclusion in the lawsuit raises questions about the nature of his alleged role in Fejiro’s arrest and whether his political position has been leveraged to influence law enforcement actions. Similarly, Stella Okotete’s involvement as a respondent is intriguing. As a prominent figure at NEXIM, her alleged connection to the case remains unclear, though it may relate to Fejiro’s investigative work targeting influential figures in Delta State.
The role of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Force Intelligence Department, has also come under intense scrutiny. The FID, tasked with handling high-profile investigations, has been accused of acting as a tool for powerful interests in this case. The transfer of Fejiro from Abuja to Delta State without a clear legal basis raises concerns about due process and the independence of law enforcement. The involvement of senior officers like DCP Adegoke Alani and CSP Solomon Nwokolo further underscores the institutional dimensions of the case.
Legal and Human Rights Perspectives
Fejiro’s legal team, led by Inibehe Effiong, has framed the lawsuit as a defense of constitutional protections and a challenge to state overreach. Effiong, a seasoned human rights lawyer, has a track record of representing clients in high-profile cases involving abuses of power. His involvement signals the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for the case to set a legal precedent in Nigeria.
The demand for N1 billion in damages is significant, not only as compensation for Fejiro’s ordeal but also as a statement against the misuse of state power. Exemplary damages, as requested in the suit, are intended to punish the respondents and deter similar violations in the future. The inclusion of international legal frameworks, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, strengthens the case by situating it within a broader context of global human rights norms. Nigeria, as a signatory to the Charter, is obligated to uphold its provisions, which include protections for personal liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement.
The lawsuit also highlights the judiciary’s role as a check on executive and law enforcement overreach. The Federal High Court’s 48-hour ultimatum to the police to justify Fejiro’s detention reflects the judiciary’s willingness to intervene in cases of alleged rights violations. However, the continued detention of Fejiro despite this order raises questions about the enforcement of judicial directives and the independence of the police.
Societal and Political Implications
Fejiro Oliver’s case has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic institutions, media landscape, and human rights framework. At its core, the case underscores the fragility of press freedom in a country where journalists face constant threats for exposing corruption and holding power to account. Fejiro, known for his investigative work on governance and public accountability, represents a critical voice in a society where transparency is often stifled.
The public reaction to the case has been swift and vocal. On platforms like X, Nigerians have rallied behind Fejiro, with hashtags calling for his release trending in recent days. Civil society organizations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), and Amnesty International, have issued statements condemning his detention and calling for his immediate release. These groups argue that Fejiro’s arrest is part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored attacks on journalists and a direct assault on freedom of expression.
The case also raises questions about the role of political power in shaping media narratives. Delta State, as one of Nigeria’s key economic hubs, is a focal point for political maneuvering and resource control. Fejiro’s investigative work, which has often targeted influential figures in the state, may have made him a target for those seeking to protect their interests. The involvement of Governor Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone in the lawsuit suggests a possible intersection of politics and personal vendettas, though the exact motivations remain speculative.
Historical Context: Journalism Under Fire
To fully understand the significance of Fejiro’s case, it is essential to place it within the historical context of journalism in Nigeria. Since the country’s independence in 1960, journalists have played a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding governments accountable. However, this role has often come at a steep cost. During Nigeria’s military regimes in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, journalists faced imprisonment, torture, and even assassination for their work. Figures like Dele Giwa, the founder of Newswatch magazine, who was killed by a parcel bomb in 1986, remain enduring symbols of the dangers faced by Nigerian journalists.
The return to democracy in 1999 brought hopes of improved press freedom, but challenges persist. The rise of digital media has transformed journalism, enabling reporters like Fejiro to reach wider audiences through platforms like Facebook and X. However, it has also exposed them to new forms of repression, such as cyberstalking charges and online harassment. Fejiro’s case is reminiscent of other high-profile cases, such as the 2020 arrest of journalist Agba Jalingo, who was charged with treason and terrorism for his reporting on corruption in Cross River State.
The Road Ahead
As Fejiro Oliver’s case progresses through the Federal High Court in Asaba, it will likely serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to upholding press freedom and human rights. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for how similar cases involving journalists and allegations of cyberstalking are handled. If the court rules in Fejiro’s favor, it could embolden other journalists to challenge state overreach and seek redress for rights violations. Conversely, an unfavorable ruling could further erode press freedom and embolden authorities to target critical voices.
For now, Fejiro remains in custody, and his legal team is pressing for his unconditional release while pursuing the N1 billion claim. The case has galvanized public support, with many Nigerians viewing it as a battle for the soul of journalism in the country. The demand for a public apology and substantial damages underscores the plaintiff’s determination to hold the respondents accountable and send a message that abuses of power will not go unchallenged.
Conclusion
Fejiro Oliver’s N1 billion lawsuit against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, Stella Okotete, and senior police officials represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for press freedom and human rights. The case highlights the precarious position of investigative journalists in a country where power often seeks to silence dissent. By invoking both domestic and international legal frameworks, Fejiro and his legal team are challenging the state to uphold its constitutional and moral obligations to protect citizens’ rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, it will test the resilience of Nigeria’s judiciary, the independence of its law enforcement agencies, and the strength of its democratic institutions. For Fejiro Oliver, the fight is not just about securing his freedom or compensation but about defending the right of journalists to speak truth to power without fear of retribution. The nation watches closely, as the outcome of this case could shape the future of journalism and human rights in Nigeria for years to come.
