The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Pastor Abraham Daniel, a former minister at Dunamis International Gospel Centre, for questioning over allegations of cyberbullying, criminal defamation, forgery, and inciting public nuisance.
This development follows public accusations by Pastor Daniel against the church’s founder, Pastor Paul Enenche, claiming breach of a “gentleman’s agreement” and alleged facilitation of his imprisonment.
Police Invitation
In a letter dated January 3, 2025, signed by DCP Alhassan Kawu Yahaya on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, Pastor Daniel was requested to appear on January 7, 2025 for an interview.
The letter read:
“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned… You may wish to come along with your attorney.”
The summons, issued under sections 214 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and section 4 of the Police Act 2020, emphasized the police’s investigative authority.
Pastor Daniel’s Allegations
Pastor Daniel has publicly alleged:
- Breach of Agreement:
He claims Pastor Enenche and the church management failed to honor a settlement agreement to replace his damaged 2004 Corolla vehicle, which he relied on to support his family. - False Accusations and Imprisonment:
Pastor Daniel alleges Pastor Enenche orchestrated his imprisonment on fabricated charges of embezzlement and defamatory Facebook posts critical of the church. He says he was detained for three weeks at Suleja Prison, Abuja, during which his business and family life suffered greatly. - Family Intervention:
He accused the church of meddling in his marriage, which he claims ultimately led to his wife leaving with their five children.
Background to the Dispute
Pastor Daniel’s fallout with Dunamis reportedly began in 2020 after he resigned from the church. Subsequently:
- He was accused of embezzling church funds, claims he denies.
- Allegedly trailed and harassed by church operatives, resulting in a car accident.
- Faced public backlash fueled by online posts from the church, branding him as a defector and criminal.
The two parties reportedly reached a verbal agreement during a mediation at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID), where Pastor Enenche promised to replace the damaged vehicle. However, the former pastor alleges this promise has not been fulfilled.
Pastor Daniel’s Plea
Pastor Daniel lamented his struggle to support his children after losing his primary means of livelihood. He said:
“I depended on that car to feed my family. Since it was damaged, life has been unbearably hard, and the church has refused to honor their promise to help.”
Implications
This case highlights issues of church leadership accountability, police involvement in religious disputes, and the broader societal impact of conflicts involving prominent religious figures.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on both parties to provide clarity and accountability.