Fejiro Oliver To Appear Before Magistrate Court Judge Monday 

In a dramatic twist, the Delta State Government has obtained a reproduction warrant from Magistrate Court 3, Asaba, to arraign activist journalist Fejiro Oliver on fresh, yet-to-be-disclosed charges, in what rights groups have described as a calculated ploy to intimidate civil servants and gag a relentless government critic.

The move follows a setback at the Federal High Court, where the state government failed to secure its preferred bail conditions.

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In a strategic shift, it has now turned to the Magistrate Court, where it plans to impose bail terms requiring state workers to stand surety, a condition observers say is deliberately designed to instill fear among civil servants who risk victimisation or dismissal if they come forward.

The fresh charge, titled State (Gov. Sheriff) vs. Fejiro Oliver, was filed on 17th October 2025, mandating Oliver to appear before Her Worship Edith Nkechi Anumadu (Mrs) on Monday, 20th October 2025, for arraignment.

Human rights advocates including Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro Akima have condemned the move as an attempt to weaponise the judiciary against dissent.

His words: “This is clearly aimed at suppressing the voice of the people,” said a rights activist in Asaba. Using legal instruments to target dissenting voices undermines democracy and erodes trust in the justice system.”

He continued: “Fejiro Oliver, popularly known as the “Five Star General Prisoner of Conscience” and “Voice of the Masses”, has long been a thorn in the side of those in power. His fearless commentaries and exposures of alleged government corruption have made him both a public hero and a target of political backlash.”

Adding: “Unable to secure its demands in Federal High Court, the government turns to the Magistrate Court to impose intimidating bail conditions requiring civil servants as sureties banking on fear of victimisation to keep the fearless journalist in custody and silence a powerful voice of the masses.

Meanwhile, supporters have called on judicial officers to uphold fairness, independence, and justice, warning against political interference that threatens the sanctity of the courts.

“Power is transient, but truth and justice endure forever,” Oliver’s supporters declared.

The upcoming arraignment has attracted widespread attention, with civil society groups, activists, and members of the public watching closely to see whether the judiciary will stand firm or bend under political pressure.