The Delta State government has lodged new criminal charges against investigative journalist and publisher of Secret Reporters, Fejiro Oliver, in what appears to be a renewed legal onslaught following his release order by a Federal High Court in Asaba.
According to court documents obtained on Sunday, the fresh charges were filed by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), at Magistrate Court 3 in Asaba.
The case has been assigned to Magistrate Nkechi Edith Anumadu, a judicial officer reportedly chosen by the prosecution to handle the matter.
The new filings, marked as Criminal Defamation and Cyberstalking of Hon. Stella Okotete by Fejiro Oliver and Cyberstalking, Defamation, and Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace Against Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, stem from separate complaints by both public officials.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who represents Oliver, confirmed that his client is expected to appear before the magistrate on Tuesday.
“We are aware of the new charges, and we will continue to stand by our client against what we consider a misuse of state power,” Effiong said.
Court papers allege that between February and May 2025, Oliver published posts on his Facebook page that portrayed Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, in a defamatory manner.
The prosecution accused him of using words deemed insulting and false, allegedly calling the senator “politically useless” and suggesting his election was the product of manipulation and fraud, offences said to violate Section 375 of the Delta State Criminal Code.
Senator Onowakpo further claimed that the journalist had publicly referred to him and other lawmakers as “super illiterate senators,” comments he argued were meant to damage his reputation and discredit his legislative performance.
Similarly, Hon. Stella Okotete, another complainant, alleged that Oliver published posts accusing her of certificate forgery and corruption.
She claimed that the journalist’s reports depicted her as arrogant and unfit for public office.
Fejiro Oliver, widely known for his bold exposés on corruption and political misconduct, has been entangled in several legal battles over his reporting.
His arrest on September 18, 2025, by police operatives in Abuja, was linked to petitions reportedly filed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Both politicians accused him of defamation and cyberstalking.
After spending 21 days in detention without trial, Oliver was arraigned before Justice Olufunmilola Agbaje of the Federal High Court, Asaba, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court granted him bail on October 16, 2025, following arguments from his legal team led by Effiong.
However, fresh reports suggest that state officials were dissatisfied with the federal court’s ruling.
Sources alleged that Governor Oborevwori directed the Attorney General to file new charges at the state magistrate court in order to delay Oliver’s release.
“Once the bail was granted, the government immediately began searching for a cooperative magistrate who could help keep him behind bars through new proceedings,” a legal insider told reporters.
Magistrate Nkechi Edith Anumadu was subsequently assigned to preside over the case and has reportedly ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to present Oliver in court on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Observers and civil rights advocates have condemned what they describe as an abuse of judicial process and an attempt to silence dissent.
“This is not about justice; it’s about intimidation,” a rights activist said. “Fejiro’s work exposes corruption, and this is the price he’s paying for telling uncomfortable truths.”
As the court prepares to reopen proceedings, the case continues to spark public debate over press freedom, the misuse of legal institutions, and the growing tension between journalists and political authorities in Nigeria.