Fejiro Oliver’s Travails: Test of Journalistic Integrity, Judicial Fairness
By Osita Biose
The recent arrest and detention of Fejiro Oliver, a journalist with Secret Reporters, has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about the state of journalism and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Some sources have allegedly linked the Delta State government to his arrest and although neither the police nor the government has issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims, unverified suggestions by proxy sources have hinted that his arrest and detention was prompted by a series of petitions against him to the security agencies, by unidentified persons and not the handiwork of government.
As the matter unfolds, the lack of transparency and accountability from the authorities has become worrisome, especially when considered from the position of unlawful detention.
The law stipulates that a suspect must be taken before a court within 24 hours of his/her arrest, and in circumstances this proves to be reasonably impossible – within 48 hours: Any period exceeding one or two days may constitute unlawful detention.
The police must charge a suspect with an offence within the period of 24hrs or 48hrs, otherwise the person must be released on bail except for cases where the person is suspected to have committed capital offences such as murder or armed robbery.
Recall that Fejiro was reportedly arrested on Friday September 19, 2025 and given the circumstance that the action dovetailed into the weekend (which are not working days), his arrest and detention, as at today, Tuesday September 23, has now spanned into 72 hours and counting, yet no definitive statement or legal action has been instituted by the authorities on the state of the matter. Even his whereabouts and state of health remain unknown and have been shrouded in suspicious secrecy till date.
It is therefore essential to state categorically that visible and transparent processes must be put in place to ensure that Mr. Oliver is given a fair and speedy trial, with access to legal representation and the opportunity to defend himself against any allegations.
The government, on its part, must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, including journalists.
The media frenzy surrounding Oliver’s arrest has also raised questions about the role of journalism in Nigeria. Rather than rushing to judgment, journalists and media outlets should prioritise fact-based reporting and avoid speculation. The focus should be on ensuring that justice is served, rather than perpetuating sensationalism.
We call on the relevant authorities to ensure that Oliver’s case is handled with utmost fairness and objectivity. The Delta State government should, as a matter of integrity and non-complicity, clarify its role and provide transparency on the circumstances surrounding the arrest, if only to debunk rife allegations that it is indeed involved in the arrest and detention of Mr. Fejiro Oliver.
The fact of the matter remains that only a fair judicial trial can completely exonerate both the accused and the prosecutors, which in this instance is the government, and to uphold the integrity of the justice system.
Ultimately, this case presents an opportunity for Nigeria’s judicial system to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and transparency. By ensuring that Oliver receives a fair trial, confidence in the justice system can be promoted and the principles of democracy, anchored on the freedom of speech upheld.
Let justice be served, and let the truth be revealed.
