Court Remands Activist Fejiro Oliver For Cyberstalking
A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba has ordered the remand of Nigerian activist Fejiro Oliver in the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre over allegations of cyberstalking Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Oliver, real name Tega Oghenedoro, appeared in court on Thursday for the first time since his arrest nearly three weeks ago.
His bail hearing was adjourned to October 16, with the court directing that he remain in custody pending the determination of the application.
According to the charge filed by the police, Oliver was accused of using his Facebook page to publish “offensive and injurious” statements about Governor Oborevwori, referring to him as a “sleeping governor who rigged the election.”
The activist also alleged that the governor “travelled to Brazil secretly” and awarded “contracts worth billions to his boys.”
He was also charged with making similar posts about Senator Ede Dafinone, whom he allegedly described as a “sleeping senator,” “betraying ingrate,” and “POS senator.”
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The prosecution said the publications were intended to harm the reputation of both officials and contravened Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Oliver’s arrest was reportedly ordered following petitions from aides to Governor Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone.
Earlier this month, Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, summoned the Nigeria Police Force to justify Oliver’s continued detention after his counsel, Inibehe Effiong, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit challenging the legality of his arrest and transfer from Abuja to Asaba.
Despite that order, the journalist remained in custody until Thursday’s arraignment. His lawyers have vowed to pursue both the bail application and the pending rights suit, insisting that the charges are politically motivated.
Oliver, a well-known critic of the Delta State government, has published several reports alleging corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice involving top state officials.
