The Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist and anti-corruption advocate Fejiro Oliver, who was arrested and detained by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force.

NACAT’s Operational Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, in a statement on Saturday, condemned Oliver’s arrest as unlawful, unconstitutional, and politically motivated.

Oliver, who also serves as NACAT’s chairman, was arrested on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Abuja and flown to Delta State without explanation.

He is reportedly being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba alongside hardened criminals and suspected kidnappers.

“Oliver is not a criminal. He is a courageous journalist, whistleblower, and anti-corruption advocate whose work has exposed high-level graft, abuse of office, and organized criminal networks across Nigeria. This crude attempt to silence him is a direct assault on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the soul of Nigeria’s democracy,” Ugagbe said.

He described the manner of arrest as lacking transparency and legality, warning against the use of state power to silence dissent and shield corrupt officials.

NACAT urged the police to release Oliver immediately, calling his detention a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights.

The group also appealed to Nigerians, civil society, the media, and the international community to rally in defence of press freedom and democracy.