Fejiro Oliver
The Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT) has condemned the alleged “unlawful and unconstitutional” detention of Fejiro Oliver, an activist.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT’s operations manager, said Oliver, a critic of the Delta state government, was arrested by the police on Thursday in Abuja.
He alleged that Oliver was detained on the instructions of Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta.
“This is not just an unlawful detention, it is a brazen act of political persecution aimed at silencing a fearless voice against corruption,” the statement reads.
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“Mr Oliver is a renowned journalist, whistleblower, and anti-corruption advocate whose investigative work has exposed deep-seated corruption and abuse of office at various levels of government.
“NACAT reiterates that his arrest represents a broader threat to civil liberties, freedom of the press and expression, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
“The continued illegal detention of Mr Oliver marks a dangerous turning point. It is an attack not only on him as an individual, but on the fundamental rights of every Nigerian.
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“When those who speak truth to power are criminalised, democracy itself is under siege. This kind of executive overreach and lawlessness must not be allowed to stand. The police should be guardians of the law, not enforcers of political vendettas.
“The world must not look away. The Delta state government must be held accountable for this blatant abuse of power. Today it is Fejiro Oliver, tomorrow it could be anyone who dares to speak out.”
Ugagbe demanded “immediate and unconditional release of Oliver from unlawful detention”, adding that the rights of citizens must not be trampled upon.
Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, neither responded to calls nor text messages.
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