A legal showdown is brewing as Abraham Daniel, a former pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has filed a lawsuit against the church’s founder, Dr. Paul Enenche, over alleged violations of his fundamental human rights. The dramatic case also involves the pastor’s family members, Alexander Enenche and Peter Enenche, who joined as co-plaintiffs.
The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 15, 2025, demands ₦100 million in compensation for what the plaintiffs described as an “unwarranted infringement” on their constitutional rights. Legal counsel S. M. Oyeghe represents the plaintiffs, while Pastor Enenche, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are named as respondents.
The Allegations: Liberty and Expression at Stake
Central to the suit is the claim that Abraham Daniel was arrested and detained twice—once on January 7-8, 2025, and again from January 13-14, 2025. According to court filings, the arrests were allegedly instigated by Pastor Enenche due to statements made on a family WhatsApp group. These arrests, the plaintiffs contend, contravened Daniel’s fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of expression as guaranteed by Sections 35 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Their submission to the court cites the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, specifically articles six and nine, as further legal backing. “The arrests over mere expressions of opinion on a private platform reflect gross misuse of power,” the plaintiffs argued.
Seeking Justice: ₦100 Million Compensation
Among their prayers, the plaintiffs seek a judicial declaration affirming that their arrests were unconstitutional. They request ₦100 million as damages for what they described as “unjustified and degrading treatment.” The lawsuit states:
“An order directing the Respondents jointly and severally to pay the sum of ₦100,000,000 only as compensation for the unwarranted infringement of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.”
While no date has yet been fixed for hearing the case, the plaintiffs remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
Background: The Dunamis Connection
Dunamis International Gospel Centre, headquartered in Abuja, is among Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches. Dr. Paul Enenche, its founder and Senior Pastor, is known for his fiery preaching style and expansive reach through various ministries. However, this lawsuit casts a shadow over the church’s public image, sparking public debate about the handling of internal disputes.
Abraham Daniel’s history with the church remains unclear. While details of his service within Dunamis have not been made public, his allegations have fueled discussions about the dynamics between influential church leaders and their associates.
Wider Implications for Rights and Power Dynamics
The legal dispute raises broader questions about the intersection of religious influence and fundamental human rights in Nigeria. This isn’t the first instance where prominent clergy have faced lawsuits involving allegations of abuse of power. Human rights activists have noted the trend of religious leaders leveraging connections to security agencies to silence dissent.
“The role of the Nigeria Police Force in such matters is critical. Cases like this shine a light on potential misuse of law enforcement by powerful figures,” says rights advocate Chioma Okafor.
Beyond the immediate legal claims, some observers wonder how this case might influence public perception of church leadership. Pastor Paul Enenche has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, while representatives from Dunamis International Gospel Centre declined to provide official statements at press time.
