By Iteveh Ekpokpobe
Embattled journalist and Co-publisher of Secret Reporters, Mr. Fejiro Oliver, has disclosed that the Delta State Government was showing more concern for his information source than briefing Deltans on the robbery incidence.
Confirming his claim, Oliver revealed, that men of the DSS had stormed his hotel accommodation while he was under their detention yesterday, in search of his laptop and other electronic gadgets.
Oliver was released yester-night at 8.20pm after been held by men of the Department of State Security for hours in Asaba, following a story on an alleged armed robbery attack inside the Delta State Government House published by the Secret Reporters titled, “Exclusive: Despite Millions Paid To Security, Armed Robbers Mug Gov. Okowa Right Inside Government House Asaba”.
Although the report has generated reactions across board, it has neither been refuted nor reacted to by the state government.
Briefing newsmen before entering the DSS complex at 8am today, Oliver said he was released yester-night with instructions to return this morning for further interrogation.
Accompanied by publisher of Integrity Watchdog Magazine, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, Mr Fejiro Oliver entered the DSS Complex 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 demanding an 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.