By Mohammed Bello Doka
The arrest of investigative journalist and activist, Fejiro Oliver (Tega Oghenedoro), has continued to generate outrage across the country, with civil society organisations, rights groups, and grassroots movements condemning what they describe as an “unconstitutional clampdown on press freedom.”
Oliver, founder of the whistleblowing platform Secret Reporters and Executive Director of the Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT), was arrested in Abuja on September 18, 2025 by operatives of the Nigeria Police and later flown to Delta State, where he remains in detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba. Reports allege that his arrest followed direct orders from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over Oliver’s critical publications exposing alleged corruption and maladministration.
Rights groups, including NACAT and De Advocates for Justice, have decried the arrest as a brazen attempt to stifle dissent, warning that the misuse of police institutions for political vendettas undermines democracy. They insist Oliver’s arrest amounts to persecution for exercising his constitutional right to free expression.
In a strong reaction, the New Delta Grassroot Movement, under the leadership of Engr. Felix Akpoyibo, has declared October 13, 2025, as “Oliver Fejiro Day.” The group announced plans to shut down the Federal Capital Territory in a peaceful protest, aimed at demanding Oliver’s release and defending freedom of speech as a fundamental right of every Nigerian.
According to the organisers, the protest will take place simultaneously at key symbolic locations in Abuja, tagged “Places of Voices.” These include:
APC National Secretariat, Wuse II, Abuja
Delta State Liaison House, Asokoro, Abuja
Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja
National Unity Fountain, behind Nicon Luxury Hotels, Abuja
The group said arrangements have been made for mass mobilisation of protesters from across Delta State and neighbouring areas. Vehicles will be stationed at the following locations to convey participants to Abuja:
Osubi Airport
Otowodo Junction, Ughelli
Ozoro Polytechnic Old Campus Gate
UNIBEN Main Gate
Campus 2 Gate, Delta State University, Abraka
Nigeria Rail Terminal, Itakpe, Kogi State
Amokpe Roundabout, Sapele
Mariam Ibrahim Babangida Junction, Asaba
Effurun Roundabout, Effurun
Agbarho Train Station, Agbarho
Convergence Point: Nicon Junction, Abuja
“All departure times are to be communicated to local coordinators with immediate effect,” the statement from the group read.
The New Delta Grassroot Movement further issued a voice appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene and ensure the immediate release of Fejiro Oliver. The group reminded the President that defending freedom of speech and protecting journalists from intimidation are integral to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Engr. Akpoyibo stressed that the protest will be peaceful but resolute, warning that silence in the face of Oliver’s continued detention would embolden political leaders to suppress dissent and weaponize security agencies against citizens.
“The arrest of Fejiro Oliver is not just an attack on one man; it is an attack on press freedom, an attack on democracy, and a violation of the rights of every Nigerian,” Akpoyibo declared.
As the October 13th protest looms, tension continues to mount over what human rights advocates have called “a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.”
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