Niger Delta Youth Group Urges Omo-Agege to Address Concerns Over Secret Reporters Publisher

A group known as the Association of Concerned Niger Delta Youths has called on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, to address questions raised by the organisation over the activities and publications of Fejiro Oliver, publisher of the online platform Secret Reporters.

The group urged Omo-Agege to encourage responsible media practice and accountability, particularly in the publication of allegations involving public officials and government institutions.

In a press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Akpor Efetobore Akpororo, the association expressed concern about what it described as the need for stronger verification of claims published by the online platform.

It called on media regulatory and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Guild of Online Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), to pay attention to the issues raised and promote compliance with professional journalism standards.

The association maintained that investigative journalism remained essential to transparency and accountability in public administration but stressed that allegations against individuals and institutions should be supported by credible evidence and subjected to appropriate verification.

It also appealed to law enforcement authorities to examine any complaints that may arise from the publication of allegations, in accordance with the law.

The statement called on Omo-Agege, whom it described as a political associate of Oliver, to intervene and encourage a more responsible approach to public communication.

However, the association's assertions concerning the relationship between the senator and the publisher, as well as its allegations about the motives behind some publications, were claims made by the group and were not independently established in the statement.

Group Raises Concerns Over Online Publications

The organisation alleged that some reports published by Secret Reporters contained claims about public officials that, in its view, required stronger evidentiary support and more rigorous verification.

It further alleged that some publications were followed by approaches to the individuals concerned through intermediaries. The group characterised these alleged approaches as attempts to exert pressure on public officials.

The statement did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate these claims or independently verifiable details of the specific incidents cited.

The association also expressed concern that online publications could be used to influence political disputes, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

It urged journalists and online publishers to distinguish between legitimate investigative reporting and the publication of unsubstantiated allegations, noting that public-interest journalism should be guided by fairness, accuracy and the opportunity for affected persons to respond.

References To Previous Legal And Police Matters

In support of its concerns, the group referred to reported past disputes involving Oliver and various individuals and institutions.

It cited an incident in 2017 involving Sterling Bank, alleging that the publisher was arrested and detained in connection with publications concerning the bank. It also referred to legal action reportedly initiated by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone over certain social media publications.

The association further made claims concerning police interest in Oliver in 2026, including an alleged summons in July and a purported police declaration in August.

These assertions could not be independently verified from the statement alone. The precise circumstances, current status and outcomes of the referenced matters were not established in the material provided.

An arrest, summons, police investigation or court charge does not, in itself, establish guilt. Any allegation of criminal conduct must be determined through the appropriate legal process.

Media Bodies Urged To Promote Professional Standards

The association called on the Nigerian Press Council, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Guild of Online Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists to examine the broader questions raised by online journalism and the need to uphold professional standards.

It argued that the growing influence of digital media makes verification, fairness and accountability increasingly important, particularly when reports concern public officials, businesses and government agencies.

The group also questioned the effectiveness of existing professional mechanisms for addressing complaints about online publications. However, any assessment of a publisher's conduct or a platform's editorial practices would require a review of the relevant publications, evidence and applicable professional standards.

The statement additionally referred to alleged actions by social media companies concerning Oliver's accounts. It did not provide independent confirmation of the specific actions, the reasons for them or the platforms' official explanations.

Balancing Investigative Journalism With Accountability

The controversy highlighted by the association raises broader questions about the responsibilities of online publishers and the rights of individuals who become subjects of investigative reports.

Investigative journalism can expose corruption, abuse of office and other matters of public concern. Its credibility, however, depends on evidence, careful fact-checking, fair presentation and a willingness to correct errors when they occur.

Equally, public officials and other subjects of critical reporting have a legitimate interest in challenging inaccurate claims through appropriate channels. Such disputes are best addressed through documented complaints, professional review and lawful proceedings rather than unsubstantiated counter-allegations.

The association's call for intervention by Omo-Agege also places the issue within the wider debate about political relationships, media independence and the role of online publications in Nigeria's emerging election season.

While the group wants the former Deputy Senate President to address its concerns, it did not establish in the statement that he directed, sponsored or controlled any particular publication by Secret Reporters. Such claims would require independent evidence and a response from the parties concerned.

The statement did not include responses from Oliver, Secret Reporters or Omo-Agege to the allegations and calls contained in it.

The association reiterated its appeal for media organisations and relevant authorities to promote credible journalism, evidence-based reporting and accountability in public communication.

It said its intervention was intended to draw attention to the importance of professional standards and responsible use of digital media, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.