Public concern is mounting across Nigeria as journalist and human-rights advocate Fejiro Oliver remains in police custody more than 48 hours after his arrest, with many citizens accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to speak out.
Oliver, a well-known investigative reporter and activist, was reportedly picked up in Abuja by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department and flown to Asaba, Delta State, on the orders of political figures in the state. Family members and colleagues say they have not been informed of the exact charges against him or the location of his detention.
Residents of Delta State and civil-society groups are calling on President Tinubu to personally intervene, citing his own history as a pro-democracy campaigner during Nigeria’s military era.
“President Tinubu built his reputation on fighting injustice,” one activist said. “It is shocking to see such silence while a journalist is held without explanation.”
Commentators note that Tinubu, as a young activist and later a prominent opposition leader, often challenged military governments and championed free expression. Critics argue that the current situation contradicts those values and risks chilling press freedom nationwide.
Rights groups have warned that Oliver’s prolonged detention without charge violates constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international obligations. They have demanded his immediate release or that he be promptly arraigned in court.
The Presidency and the Nigeria Police Force have yet to issue an official statement on Oliver’s case.
