January 28, 2026
Magistrate Edith Nkechi Anumadu of Court 3 in Asaba, Delta State, has issued a bench warrant against investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver.
This is despite the journalist’s lawyers reporting to the court that their client was not in court because he has allegedly faced a series of visible threats to his life.
The magistrate, aside from issuing a bench warrant against Fejiro, also ordered that his sureties be arrested.
Recall that in December 2025, the magistrate of Court 2 in Asaba had also issued a bench warrant against the journalist.
Then, the journalist had also told the court through his lawyers that his life was under threat.
Meanwhile, while speaking to journalists after the court issued an order for his arrest, Fejiro said, “This is not justice. This is persecution, and I’m not deterred or bothered. I have never run from court trials.
I have stood trial for a cybercrime case since 2017 in a Lagos court and attended every one of them, paying flights from Abuja and staying in a hotel for a minimum of two days, and never backed out since 2017.
Infact, I want to stand trial, to confront them, to expose them, and to disgrace their lies in open court, both the Federal High Court and magistrate courts. But a trial must first be safe.
“My present decision not to submit myself for trial is based solely on credible fears for my life and safety.”
Newspot reported that Fejiro was arrested by policemen in Abuja in September 2025 and flown to Delta State. Following his arrest and detention for weeks, he was arraigned in court and remanded in prison following pressure from civil society organisations.
He was later released from prison after he met his bail conditions.
