The legal battle surrounding the alleged rights violation of former Dunamis International Gospel Centre pastor, Abraham Daniel, and others has taken a new turn as Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of the church, files a counter affidavit refuting the allegations against him.
According to Sahara Reporters, Pastor Enenche’s younger brother, Samuel Enenche, deposed the affidavit on his behalf at the Federal High Court in Abuja, dismissing claims that the cleric had any involvement in the arrest and detention of Abraham Daniel, Alexander Enenche, and Peter Enenche by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The plaintiffs, who filed separate applications for the enforcement of their fundamental rights, named Dr. Paul Enenche, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Nigeria Police Force as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively.
Specifically, Abraham Daniel (a former Dunamis pastor) filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/60/2025, seeking a ₦100 million compensation for what he described as an unwarranted infringement on his fundamental rights.
Their Demands
The plaintiffs are urging the court to:
1. Declare their arrest and detention unconstitutional, arguing that it was orchestrated by Pastor Enenche over an opinion expressed in a family WhatsApp group.
2. Affirm their right to freedom of expression, as protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the lawsuit, they were arrested and detained twice—from January 7 to 8, 2025, and again from January 13 to 14, 2025—allegedly at the instigation of Pastor Enenche.
In his counter-affidavit, Samuel Enenche categorically denied the allegations, maintaining that Dr. Paul Enenche neither reported nor influenced the police to arrest, detain, or torture the plaintiffs.
Samuel asserted:
The Applicant (Abraham Daniel) voluntarily left Dunamis International Gospel Centre and abandoned the Christian faith, declaring himself an atheist/humanist.
Following his newfound beliefs, he divorced his wife and allegedly teamed up with individuals critical of Christianity, including Sahara Reporters (Omoyele Sowore), Kelechi TV, Alexander Enenche, Reno Omokri, and others.
The applicant has been on a deliberate campaign to tarnish the reputation of Pastor Enenche and Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
Samuel argued that the Nigeria Police Force acted lawfully and that Exhibit Enenche 1 attached to the affidavit supports the claim that law enforcement officers were merely carrying out their statutory duty of criminal investigation.
Furthermore, he referenced a statement allegedly issued by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, expressing support for the authorities to investigate online criminal defamation against Christian leaders. A copy of this publication was submitted as Exhibit B.
Samuel concluded that he was not a proper party in the lawsuit, emphasizing that the applicant was merely attempting to irritate, annoy, and subject Pastor Enenche to unnecessary inconvenience.
As the case unfolds, the court will determine whether this is a genuine case of human rights violations or a personal vendetta disguised as legal action.
PIONEER NEWS 