NACAT Condemns Unlawful Detention of Journalist Fejiro Oliver, Demands His Immediate Release

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has strongly criticized what it described as the unlawful, unconstitutional, and politically motivated arrest and continued detention of Nigerian journalist Fejiro Oliver.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by NACAT’s Operations Manager, Mr. Stanley Ugagbe, the organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Oliver, who also serves as NACAT’s Chairman.

According to the group, Oliver’s arrest demonstrates a clear case of abuse of power by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi.

Mr. Ugagbe explained that Oliver was forcefully apprehended by Nigerian Police Force operatives in Abuja on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Following his arrest, he was quickly transferred to Asaba, Delta State, where he is currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“This act is not only unlawful but also a deliberate attempt at political persecution, designed to silence a courageous journalist who consistently speaks against corruption,” NACAT declared.

The statement further emphasized that Oliver is not just a journalist but also a renowned whistleblower and anti-corruption advocate. His investigative works have exposed entrenched corruption and abuse of office at different levels of government in Nigeria.

NACAT stressed that Oliver’s detention represents a dangerous threat to civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the press.

“The ongoing illegal detention of Mr. Oliver is more than an attack on one man—it is an attack on the fundamental human rights of every Nigerian citizen. Criminalizing voices that speak truth to power is a direct assault on democracy itself,” the statement warned.

The group further accused the Delta State government of weaponizing state institutions to punish dissent and erode transparency. It condemned the Nigerian Police Force for being used as an instrument of political intimidation rather than maintaining impartial enforcement of the law.

“This type of executive excess and disregard for the rule of law must not be tolerated. The police should function as protectors of justice, not as enforcers of political vendettas,” NACAT noted.

NACAT therefore called on civil society organizations, the Nigerian media, human rights groups, and the international community to urgently step in and demand accountability.

“This incident is a major test of Nigeria’s dedication to the rule of law and democratic values. The international community must not ignore this injustice. Today, it is Fejiro Oliver, tomorrow it could be any Nigerian who dares to challenge corruption and abuse of power,” the group warned.

Concluding, NACAT demanded Oliver’s unconditional release, describing his detention as a betrayal of Nigeria’s constitution, the law, and citizens’ rights.