By Iteveh Ekpokpobe
Embattled investigative journalist and co-publisher of Secret Reporters, Mr. Fejiro Oliver, has given reasons why he was invited by operatives of Department of State Security in Asaba, Delta State.
The journalist said he was invited over his exclusive report detailing how armed robbers reportedly broke into the Delta State Government House, Asaba.
He noted that the Delta State Government was showing more concern for his information source than briefing Deltans on the alleged robbery.
Confirming his claim, Oliver revealed that men of the DSS allegedly stormed his hotel accommodation while he was under their detention on Tuesday, in search of his laptop and other electronic gadgets.
The journalist spoke on Wednesday before entering the DSS complex at 8am for further interrogation.
Oliver said he was released on Tuesday with instructions to return this morning for further interrogation.
Oliver was released last night at 8.20pm after been held by operatives for several hours following a story on an alleged armed robbery attack inside the Delta State Government House published by the Secret Reporters.
The state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, through his Executive Assistant on Communications, Mr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a statement debunked the publication, describing it as the figment of imagination of the writer and the online news medium.
Oghenesivbe, a lawyer, who claimed to have been instructed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor, noted that the online medium is well known for its blackmail in exchange for money editorial policy, describing it as a cancerous fake news platform inspired from the pit of hell.
Oliver, who honoured the invitation on Wednesday was accompanied by publisher of Integrity Watchdog Magazine, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, in Asaba at 8.49am.
His phone number was reachable until 11am when it was eventually switched off.
Counsel to the detained Oliver, Mr. Kingsley Oghenevo, who visited the complex was not allowed to see his client at about 11am.
It was gathered that the lawyer was deprived from seeing his client and asked to return in an hour as Oliver was in a meeting with their State Director.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the State Government is allegedly demanding apology from Fejiro Oliver to which he has resisted.
A WhatsApp message sent to this reporter by an unknown number which turned out to be owned by Fejiro Oliver after a true caller identity search, at 1:57 PM today. Reads “Urgent. They crafted apology and forced on my Facebook and website. FO.”
Although, no message of such was not found on his Facebook page as well as his website at press time.
Again all effort to reach the DSS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Afunanya has proved abortive.
At intervals, this reporter called the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, but got no response.
