Benue Social Media Activist Remanded For Allegedly Defaming Governor Alia

Gyenger Paul, a Benue social media activist, has been remanded.

The man was on Thursday remanded in prison custody at the Federal Correction Center, Makurdi FOR alleged defamation

He was alleged to have published a defamatory piece against the State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on his Facebook page.

The trial Magistrate, TK Attah refused the oral application for bail for lack of jurisdiction and ordered the activist to be remanded in prison custody

Gyenger was charged with Cyberstalking, criminal defamation and injurious falsehood that disparaged the Governor.

The detention of Gyengyer, who is said to be an activist, has caused widespread outrage in the state with well-meaning people calling for his unconditional release from custody.

Though the oral application for bail by his lawyer Clement Mue was not granted, they are looking for various legal options to perfect his release from custody.

DAILY POST reports that Gyengyer was arrested Friday, 25th August, 2023 at his residence in Gyado Villa, Makurdi over his Facebook post of August 18, 2023, where he wrote that the Governor of Benue State allegedly diverted N2 billion sent to the state by the federal government out of the N5 billion palliatives meant for the people.

He also alleged that the governor used part of the money to complete his Guzape Abuja mansion.

It will also be recalled that Mr Gyeng⁸yer has sued Gov Hyacinth Alia, Police officers and the Attorney General of Benue State for N200 million for his purported wrongful arrest over a story on his Facebook page.

His lawyers are preparing to approach a Federal High Court which has jurisdiction over the case to apply for his bail.