Lawyer Claims No Clear Reason Given for Detention of Daniel and Eneche in Defamation Case Involving Pastor Enenche”
The Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigerian police has reportedly detained Abraham Daniel, a former pastor with Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Alexander Eneche following their appearance at the department in response to a police invitation. The duo faces allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche, the founder and Senior Pastor of the Abuja-based church.
The development follows Pastor Daniel’s public accusations that Pastor Enenche failed to honor a gentleman’s agreement between the two. This incident has led to a legal confrontation with accusations involving various offenses, including cyberbullying and injurious falsehoods.
According to Barrister Ernest Okpaga, the legal representative for the detained individuals, Abraham Daniel and Alexander Eneche voluntarily attended the police invitation, arriving at the FID office in Abuja at 1:00 pm. However, after waiting for several hours, they were only interrogated at around 8:00 pm and subsequently detained. Okpaga expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the reason for their detention, emphasizing that the two individuals had fully cooperated with the authorities.
“There has been no clear reason given for their detention, even though they attended the invitation and provided their statements,” Okpaga told SaharaReporters.
Earlier reports indicated that family members of Daniel and Eneche had raised concerns over their sudden disappearance after responding to the police summons. It was feared that the two had gone missing, but sources close to the case later confirmed they were in police custody. Their families have since expressed growing anxiety over their situation, with no information forthcoming from the authorities.
The investigation stems from a letter dated January 3, 2025, which invited the duo to the FID office for questioning. The invitation letters, signed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, called for their appearance on January 7, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The letters cite the need for further clarification in an ongoing investigation into cyberbullying, criminal defamation, false publications, and incitement of public nuisance, allegedly committed against Pastor Paul Enenche.
The letters, referenced CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/542 and CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/543, provided a specific time and location for the appearance—SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja. The letter also emphasized that the two individuals could bring their legal representatives to the interview.
It is important to note that the legal provisions quoted in the invitation are rooted in the powers granted to the police under Sections 214 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), and Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations (2020).
As the investigation unfolds, the fate of Abraham Daniel and Alexander Eneche remains uncertain, and their families await clarity on their situation.