Two brothers of Pastor Paul Enenche, the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Church, and a former cleric of the church have been remanded in Keffi Custodial Centre, Nasarawa State. This followed a remand order obtained by the Nigerian Police Force from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.
Mr. Enenche Enenche, Alexander Enenche, and Pastor Abraham Daniel, the former cleric, were remanded after honouring police invitations in connection with allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche.
A Simple Invitation Turns Complex
Sources revealed that the trio reported to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) on Monday, January 13, 2025, in compliance with earlier directives. However, they were held in police custody throughout the day.
“Upon honouring the police invitation, they were kept in custody until the evening,” a source familiar with the case told reporters. “Later that night, the police produced a remand order from a Magistrate Court, transferring them to Keffi Prison.”
The exact details of the remand order, including its duration, remain unclear, fueling speculation about the motives behind the court’s decision.
Background to the Allegations
The saga began on January 7, 2025, when Enenche’s brothers and Pastor Daniel were initially detained over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation. Reports suggest the claims arose from disputes involving the Dunamis Church.
Although the three were released on bail the next day following an agreement to resolve the matter amicably, their ordeal was far from over. They were instructed to return to the FID on January 10 and January 13, leading to Monday’s developments.
Sources allege that Pastor Abraham Daniel, who had previously served under Paul Enenche, had accused the church of questionable practices, including staging healing miracles. These accusations, coupled with other grievances, reportedly intensified tensions between the parties.
Legal experts have noted that the case could set a precedent for handling allegations of cyberbullying and defamation involving high-profile religious leaders.
Public Reactions and Implications
The remand has sparked widespread reactions, particularly among followers of the Dunamis Church and critics of its leadership. Some members expressed shock at the involvement of Pastor Paul Enenche’s family in such controversies.
On social media, opinions are divided, with some accusing the church of suppressing dissent while others argue that cyberbullying and defamation must be addressed firmly.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the intersection of religion, reputation, and the law in Nigeria. Cases involving prominent clerics often draw significant public attention, raising questions about the role of religious institutions in addressing internal disputes.
Experts warn that the case could damage the public image of the Dunamis Church if not handled transparently. “Religious organizations must navigate these situations carefully to maintain their integrity,” noted a sociologist familiar with Nigerian church dynamics.