The Nigerian police have charged journalist Fejiro Oliver with cyberstalking for allegedly posting defamatory remarks about Delta State Governor Sherif Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone on social media. Oliver, publisher of Secret Reporters, faces two separate cases at the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State. Oliver is accused of publishing defamatory posts on Facebook about the governor between July and August, aimed at destroying his reputation. If convicted, he could face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to N7 million.
The journalist targeted Governor Sherif by posts like the “Governor travelled to Brazil without the people knowing and making it ‘Hush — Hush”, “the Governor gave contracts to his boys worth billions of Naira for rigging election”, and “the Governor sent government officials to China, spending millions of Dollars only to go and inspect CNG buses instead of attracting investor”, “the governor is a sleeping governor who rigged election”.
The journalist allegedly attacked Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central Senatorial District he called the senator “grossly incompetent,” “sleeping senator,” and “scammer in NASS” in posts between May and July.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed concerns over the use of the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, activists, and critics. They urged the government to stop using the Act to intimidate and harass citizens. Oliver’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has filed an ex parte application seeking the court to order the police to justify why Oliver should not be released unconditionally.
Oliver was arrested on September 18 at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.
