Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Accused of Defying Court Order Over Journalist Fejiro Oliver’s Release
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has allegedly ordered the state’s Commissioner for Lands, Emamusi Obiodeh, to disregard a directive issued by the Delta Division of the Federal High Court concerning the release of detained journalist Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, PulseNets learnt.
The court had earlier instructed the Delta State Ministry of Lands to verify and confirm that the property presented as part of Mr. Oliver’s bail surety was properly registered with the state land registry, a crucial condition for his release.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, both the court and the police have already verified all the necessary documents required for the journalist’s release since the bail was granted. The final requirement, however, was the ministry’s written confirmation affirming that the land in question was duly registered in the state’s records.
Despite a formal communication from the court registrar requesting compliance with the judge’s directive, PulseNets learnt that Governor Oborevwori allegedly instructed Commissioner Obiodeh to withhold action on the matter.
A source familiar with the development told PulseNets, “The ministry has left the court’s letter unattended since Tuesday, effectively halting the journalist’s release.”
Some senior officials within the state government, who preferred anonymity, told PulseNets that the governor’s alleged interference amounted to “a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the court.” They further alleged that the administration was planning a fresh and unlawful arraignment of Mr. Oliver before a magistrate court headed by Magistrate Edith Nkechi Anumadu, whom they described as “compromised.”
Human rights organisations and media advocacy groups have since criticised the Delta State Government for what they describe as a blatant disregard for judicial authority and press freedom. They argue that Mr. Oliver’s continued detention, despite a valid court order, represents a serious threat to democratic values and the rule of law.
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When PulseNets spoke to Festus Ahon, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oborevwori, he dismissed the allegations, stressing that the governor had no involvement in the delay.
“My governor that I know will not interfere in any judicial process, and he will not obstruct the rule of law or justice,” Mr. Ahon told PulseNets on Friday.
