The Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT) has condemned what it described as the unlawful and politically motivated arrest and detention of its chairman, Mr. Fejiro Oliver, by the police and called for his unconditional release.
The group said in a statement by its operational manager, Stanley Ugagbe that Oliver, a trained journalist, was arrested on Thursday in Abuja and subsequently moved to Delta State without any clear reason.
The network alleged that his arrest may be connected to the Delta State government since he was immediately flown to Delta without any communication as to what his crimes are.
It said, “Oliver is not a criminal, he is a courageous journalist, whistleblower and anti-corruption advocate whose tireless work has exposed high-level graft, abuse of office and organised criminal networks across Nigeria. This crude attempt to silence him is not just an attack on an individual, but a direct assault on civil liberties, freedom of expression and the soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The manner of his arrest devoid of transparency, legality, and accountability is emblematic of a disturbing trend: where state power is being weaponized by elected officials to silence dissent, punish truth-tellers, and protect corruption at the highest levels.
“The Nigerian Police Force, by allowing itself to be used as a political attack dog, is complicit in this egregious abuse of authority.
“NACAT hereby demands the immediate and unconditional release of Fejiro Oliver from unlawful detention. The continued detention of Oliver is a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights. We call on all Nigerians — the media, civil society, human rights defenders, and the international community — to rise in defense of justice and hold those responsible to account. This is not just about Oliver — this is about the future of free speech and accountability in Nigeria.”
