A magistrate in Delta State, Nigeria, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of investigative journalist Fejiro Oliver, despite concerns over his safety. Magistrate Edith Nkechi Anumadu of Court 3 in Asaba made the order after Oliver’s lawyers informed the court that their client was unable to attend due to threats to his life.
This development is not the first time a bench warrant has been issued against the journalist. In December 2025, the magistrate of Court 2 in Asaba had also issued a similar warrant, with Oliver’s lawyers citing the same concerns about his safety at the time.
Oliver has a history of attending court trials, including a cybercrime case in a Lagos court since 2017, where he has consistently appeared for every hearing. However, he has expressed fears for his life and safety in the current case, stating that he wants to stand trial but only in a safe environment.
The journalist was previously arrested by policemen in Abuja in September 2025 and flown to Delta State, where he was detained for weeks before being arraigned in court and remanded in prison. He was later released after meeting his bail conditions.
Reacting to the latest development, Oliver described the bench warrant as “persecution” and reiterated his commitment to standing trial, provided his safety is guaranteed. The case has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria and the challenges they face in carrying out their duties.
The issuance of the bench warrant against Oliver is a significant development in the case, which has sparked interest among media practitioners and civil society organizations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the concerns about Oliver’s safety and ensure that he is able to stand trial without fear of harm. The case highlights the need for a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate, which is essential for the promotion of press freedom and the rule of law.
