Gyenger Paul, a social media activist from Benue, was remanded in custody on Thursday at the Federal Correction Center in Makurdi for alleged defamation.
On his Facebook page, he is believed to have posted a slanderous article on State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
The activist was remanded in custody after the trial’s magistrate, TK Attah, rejected the activist’s oral motion for bail due to a lack of jurisdiction.
Gyenger was accused of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and spreading damaging falsehoods about the governor.
Gyengyer’s imprisonment has sparked considerable outcry in the state, with well-meaning citizens appealing for his unconditional release from custody. Gyengyer is reportedly an activist.
Although his attorney Clement Mue’s oral application for bail was denied, they are still looking into a number of legal possibilities to ensure his successful release from custody.
According to Platinum Times, Gyengyer was detained on Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home in Gyado Villa, Makurdi, for posting on Facebook on August 18, 2023, that the governor of Benue State allegedly diverted N2 billion out of the N5 billion in palliatives intended for the people.
Additionally, he claimed that the governor partially funded the construction of his Guzape Abuja residence.
You may also remember that Mr. Gyeng8yer filed a N200 million lawsuit against Gov. Hyacinth Alia, police, and the attorney general of Benue State for his allegedly illegal detention due to a story on his Facebook page.
His attorneys are getting ready to submit an application for his bail to the Federal High Court that has jurisdiction over the matter.