Two Magistrate Courts in Asaba, Delta State, have granted bail to investigative journalist and Secret Reporters founder, Fejiro Oliver, after new defamation charges were filed against him by the state government. The cases, labeled CMA/529C/2025 and CMA/530C/2025, were brought to court through the Attorney-General of Delta State.
Oliver is being accused of defaming Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas by calling him names such as “Blockhead Senator” and “Politically useless” online. He is also charged for criticizing Stella Okotete of NEXIM Bank, referring to her as a rejected ministerial nominee. Both Magistrates — Edith Nkechi Anumadu (Court 3) and Patricia Onyeisi Okoh (Court 2) — granted him bail under strict conditions and shifted the trial to November 4, 2025.
The bail conditions include providing a surety with landed property in the court’s jurisdiction, submitting his international passport, and presenting a close relative as the second surety. Oliver’s legal team, led by Austin Nyekigbe and Inibehe Effiong, argued he is a responsible citizen exercising free speech and will not jump bail. However, state prosecutors claimed he is a security risk who abuses his freedom of expression to blackmail public officials.
Despite securing bail, Oliver remains in custody as the verification of his surety documents is reportedly being delayed by the Delta State Ministry of Lands. Human rights advocate Omes Ogedegbe criticized the delay, calling it a “politically-motivated abuse of power.” Civic groups like the Centre for Civic Liberty and Media Accountability also condemned the situation, warning that intimidation of journalists threatens Nigeria’s democracy and press freedom.
With four legal cases filed against Oliver in less than two months, many observers believe his situation is becoming a major test for free speech and media freedom in Nigeria. Oliver still has a pending case with the Inspector-General of Police at the Federal High Court in Asaba over alleged cyberstalking of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone.
