General Joshua, a prominent campaigner demanding the release of detained journalist Tega Oghenedoro, popularly known as Fejiro Oliver, has been shot dead by thugs believed to be linked to Delta state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Mr Joshua, a strong voice in the #FreeFejiroOliver movement, was killed on Saturday in Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. He had co-led protesters who gathered at the Federal High Court in Asaba last Thursday to call for Mr Oliver’s unconditional release.

Witnesses told Peoples Gazette that Mr Joshua was ambushed by armed men believed to be linked to Mr Oborevwori. His killing, they said, was a clear message to silence growing agitation around the journalist’s continued detention. Police authorities in Delta are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.

When contacted over the matter on Tuesday, Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the Delta State police command, declined calls from our correspondent. He also did not respond to text and WhatsApp messages as of press time.

Mr Oliver remains remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre after he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Asaba last Thursday. His bail application was adjourned to October 16, 2025.

The journalist had earlier spent about three weeks in police custody following his arrest in Abuja, on the orders of Mr Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone, following allegations of defamation and cyberstalking. He was flown to Delta State aboard a private jet linked to Mr Oborevwori and detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Asaba.

His arrest stemmed from a petition filed by Freeborn Eghagha, an aide to the governor, accusing him of defaming Mr Oborevwori by calling him “Governor Amuneke” in several critical online posts.

According to court documents filed at the Asaba Judicial Division, the police alleged that between July and August 2025, Mr Oliver made publications on his Facebook account, “Fejiro Oliver,” that amounted to cyberstalking the governor.

He was accused of writing that “the governor travelled to Brazil without the people knowing and making it hush-hush,” and that “the governor gave contracts to his boys worth billions of naira for rigging election.” Another post cited by the police stated that “the governor sent government officials to China, spending millions of dollars only to inspect CNG buses instead of attracting investors.”

The police said his posts, including a description of Mr Oborevwori as a “sleeping governor who rigged election,” were intended to damage the governor’s reputation, contrary to Section 24 (2) (c) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

In a separate charge, Mr Oliver was also accused of publishing similar statements against Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District.

The police alleged that between May and July 2025, he described the lawmaker as a “grossly incompetent senator,” “sleeping senator,” “betraying ingrate,” “POS senator,” and “scammer in NASS,” and further called for his recall from the Senate.

The publication, according to the charge, was “aimed at destroying his reputation” and constituted a violation of the Cybercrime Act.

Mr Oliver, who has faced multiple legal challenges over his reports on corruption in Delta politics, has maintained that his detention was politically motivated. His lawyers are expected to argue his bail application when the case resumes on October 16.