Enenche Enenche Arrested in Abuja Amid Ongoing Cyberbullying Case
Nigerian police have arrested social commentator and activist Obonyilo Peter Enenche, popularly known as Enenche Enenche, in Abuja, days after he was last seen at the birthday celebration of Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader representing Benue South Senatorial District.
A source confirmed his arrest, stating:
“Enenche Enenche has reportedly been arrested by the police in Abuja. He was last seen at Abba Moro’s birthday party.”
Background of the Legal Dispute
Cyberbullying Allegations Against Enenche
Enenche is currently facing trial for alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking of Dr. Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, located in Abuja. The case has attracted national attention due to the familial ties between the defendant and the complainant both hailing from the same ethnic background.
Court Proceedings and Bail Controversy
Magistrate Orders Surety to Appear
The legal saga intensified on June 26, 2025, when Chief Magistrate Emmanuel A. Iyanna of the Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court ordered Enenche’s surety to appear in court. The surety was asked to explain why the bail bond should not be forfeited or why he should not be remanded for the defendant’s failure to appear.
The order followed a motion brought by prosecution counsel, Chima Chukwu, in a criminal defamation suit filed by Pastor Paul Enenche and another complainant, Paul Adama, against Enenche and former Dunamis pastor Abraham Daniel.
Defence Argues Due Process Violation
Defence counsel, Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, contested the court’s directive, arguing that the procedure violated due process since the bail had already been revoked and a warrant of arrest issued.
“It is the duty of the prosecution to produce the defendant, not the surety,” Oyeghe argued.
Despite the objection, the Magistrate ordered the surety to show cause and adjourned the case to July 29, 2025, for hearing, during which the complainants are expected to testify.
Claims of Bias and Allegations of Judicial Misconduct
Petitions and Recusal Request Rejected
Before the recent arrest, Enenche and his co-defendant had submitted two petitions against Magistrate Iyanna to the Chief Judge of the FCT, accusing the magistrate of judicial compromise and bias due to his alleged affinity with Pastor Enenche.
They also filed a motion requesting the recusal of the Magistrate from the case. However, the motion was denied by the court.
Bail Revocation and Court Ruling
The prosecution had earlier filed a motion on March 21, 2025, to revoke Enenche’s bail, accusing him of granting media interviews and publishing content perceived as undermining the court.
On May 28, 2025, Magistrate Iyanna granted the motion, officially revoking the bail of Enenche for violating bail conditions. In his ruling, the Magistrate emphasized that court orders must be respected:
“An order of the Court made within its powers must be obeyed and cannot be regarded as one made in vain.”
Allegations of Vindictiveness Surface
Following the arrest and continued legal pressures, sources close to the case have raised concerns over what they describe as targeted harassment.
One source told SaharaReporters:
“How do you ask for a surety when you have earlier revoked his bail? This issue is looking vindictive to me, like oppression.”
What’s Next?
The case is scheduled to resume on July 29, 2025, with the appearance of key complainants and potential escalation of legal arguments over due process, judicial impartiality, and the limits of cyber speech in Nigeria.
