The Nigerian Police Force, through its Force Intelligence Department (FID), has granted bail to Alex Enenche, younger brother of Pastor Paul Enenche, and Abraham Daniel, a former pastor at Dunamis International Gospel Centre, following their detention on January 7, 2025.
The two were accused of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche, the founder and Senior Pastor of Dunamis Church.
The Arrest and Detention
Alex Enenche and Abraham Daniel were detained after voluntarily responding to a police invitation issued on January 3, 2025. They arrived at the FID office in Abuja at 1:00 PM on January 7, 2025. However, after hours of waiting, their statements were taken around 8:00 PM, followed by their detention without an immediate explanation.
Barrister Ernest Okpaga, their legal representative, stated that despite their full cooperation, no clear reasons were provided for their detention.
Accusations Against the Detainees
The accusations, outlined in police invitation letters referenced CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/542 and CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/543, alleged cyberbullying, criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, false publication, and inciting public nuisance.
The letters emphasized that the police action was based on investigative powers conferred by the Constitution and the Police Act and Regulations of 2020.
Bail and Future Reporting
After their release on bail on January 8, 2025, the detainees were instructed to report back to the FID for further questioning on January 10 and January 13, 2025.
The Underlying Dispute
The case stems from allegations made by Pastor Daniel, accusing Pastor Enenche of reneging on a gentleman’s agreement between them. These allegations reportedly led to the criminal complaints and subsequent police invitation.
Legal and Family Reactions
Barrister Okpaga criticized the manner of the detention, citing procedural concerns and lack of transparency. Meanwhile, family members of the detainees had earlier expressed distress over their whereabouts during the detention period.
Nigerian Police Summon Ex-Dunamis Pastor Amid Allegations Against Church Founder
Police Statement
The invitation letters, signed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, DCP Alhassan Kawu Yahaya, reassured the invitees of their right to legal representation during the investigative interview.
This development has sparked discussions about the balance between free speech, defamation laws, and the role of the police in resolving civil disputes within religious communities. Further updates are expected as the case progresses.