Nigerian Pastor Enenche Enenche Arrested Over Cyberbullying Allegations

Popular Abuja-based cleric Obonyilo Peter Enenche, widely known as Pastor Enenche Enenche, has been apprehended by the Nigerian Police over allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. The charges stem from a criminal defamation case filed against him by the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche—who is also reportedly his kinsman.

According to Sahara Reporters, Pastor Enenche was last seen publicly during a birthday celebration for Senator Abba Moro on Thursday, before his sudden arrest. The controversy surrounding his case has sparked nationwide attention, not only due to the personalities involved but also due to the sensitive intersection of family, faith, and public discourse.

Cyberbullying Allegations Rock Faith Community

The ongoing legal battle between the two Enenches has rocked the religious community, particularly in Abuja. Pastor Paul Enenche, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s evangelical movement, initiated legal proceedings after allegedly being targeted online by his relative. The Inspector General of Police, acting on the petition, is prosecuting the case before the Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case has drawn attention not just for its religious and familial implications, but also for its legal significance in addressing cyberbullying under Nigerian law. According to reports, the charges revolve around a series of online posts and messages that allegedly defamed Paul Enenche and potentially damaged his reputation.

Pastor Enenche Enenche was earlier granted bail during the court’s proceedings. However, things took a complicated turn when he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing, prompting the court to revisit the conditions of his release.

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Court Moves to Forfeit Bail Over Nonappearance

On June 26, 2025, during the resumed hearing of the case, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel A. Iyanna ordered Enenche Enenche’s surety to appear in court and show cause why the bail bond should not be forfeited or why the surety should not face remand over the defendant’s absence. The magistrate’s order was prompted by a motion filed by the prosecution counsel, Chima Chukwu, who pressed for accountability regarding the pastor’s failure to appear.

Defence counsel Dr. S. M. Oyeghe contested the prosecution’s move, arguing that once a warrant of arrest had been issued for the accused, the responsibility to locate and produce him fell squarely on law enforcement—not the surety. Oyeghe emphasized that revoking the bail had already shifted procedural focus and that dragging the surety into the matter violated due process.

Despite the objection, Magistrate Iyanna maintained his directive, affirming the court’s authority to call on the surety to justify the bail bond. The matter was consequently adjourned to July 29, 2025, allowing the complainants—Pastor Paul Enenche and another witness, Paul Adama—to testify.

Religious Tensions and Public Reaction

The incident has ignited strong reactions among Nigerians, particularly in religious circles. Many observers find the situation unfortunate given the spiritual positions both men hold. With Pastor Paul Enenche known for his fiery sermons and influential ministry, and Pastor Enenche Enenche recognized for his activist-style preaching and online engagement, the dispute has attracted both media scrutiny and public sympathy.

Some voices in the Christian community have called for mediation and reconciliation, emphasizing the damage such high-profile conflicts can cause to the image of the church. Others, however, believe the matter should follow the full course of justice, especially given the growing concern about digital defamation and the misuse of online platforms.

Legal experts note that this case could become a benchmark for future cybercrime-related lawsuits involving clergy members or other high-profile individuals.

Awaiting the Next Chapter

With Pastor Enenche Enenche now in police custody and the next hearing set for late July, all eyes are on the court to determine the legal merits of the accusations and the outcome for both parties. The unfolding case continues to spark debate about privacy, accountability, and decorum within religious institutions.

As the Nigerian justice system navigates this sensitive terrain, the Enenche versus Enenche matter remains a test case for how civil society and legal institutions handle intra-faith disputes, especially in the digital age.