Inspector General Seeks Revocation Of Bail For Pastor Enenche's Relative Amid Defamation Trial

Scope 04 Apr 2025

Revocation of Bail: A High-Stakes Legal Battle in Abuja

Listen up, folks. Here's a story that's got the legal world buzzing in Nigeria. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken a bold step by asking the Magistrate’s Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja to revoke the bail of Oboyinlo Enenche Peter. Peter is a relative of Pastor Paul Enenche, and the drama unfolds in the midst of an ongoing criminal defamation case. The IGP claims Peter has violated the conditions of his bail, sparking a major legal showdown.

Understanding the Charges: A Case of Defamation

Now let’s break this down a little more. Oboyinlo Enenche Peter, along with Abraham Daniel and a few others who are reportedly on the run, are facing trial in the Magistrate Court located in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja. The accusations? They're alleged to have defamed the character of Pastor Paul Enenche, the General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. This isn't just a small squabble—it’s a high-profile case with deep ramifications for both sides.

The Legal Move: Why the IGP Wants Bail Revoked

In a formal Motion on Notice submitted to the court back on March 17 by his attorney, Francis Gabriel Esq., from the Legal Prosecution Section of the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Egbetokun laid out his case against Peter. The IGP accused Peter of failing to comply with the conditions of his bail. Because of this alleged breach, Egbetokun is now seeking a court order to remand Peter in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service until the trial wraps up. It’s a heavy move, one that could significantly impact the outcome of the case.

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The Legal Framework: Grounds for Revocation

Here’s the thing: the application wasn’t just thrown together. It was filed in strict accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Police Act, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Specifically, the IGP referenced section 35 (f, 44 (2) K. 251(d), Section 4 of the Police Act, and other relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The court’s inherent jurisdiction also came into play here. The bottom line? The application hinges on the claim that Peter breached his bail conditions.

Petition Against the Magistrate: Accusations of Misconduct

This situation gets even more complicated. It turns out that the defendants—Abraham Daniel, a former pastor at Dunamis, and Peter Enenche—filed a petition against the presiding Magistrate, Chief Emmanuel A. Iyanna. They allege misconduct and a blatant disregard for legal procedures. It’s a bold move, one that raises questions about the fairness of the proceedings. But here’s the kicker: despite these allegations, the IGP’s application to revoke Peter’s bail is moving forward.

The Six Grounds for the Application: Breaking It Down

Let’s take a closer look at the six grounds for the application. The IGP argued that Peter, after being granted bail, proceeded to make several inflammatory publications on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms. These posts allegedly defamed the character of the General Overseer of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre. Even worse, he’s accused of committing the same offense for which he’s currently standing trial. That’s a serious breach of trust.

Moreover, Peter reportedly published material touching on the substance of the ongoing trial without the court’s consent. His aim? To ridicule the court in the eyes of the public. According to the IGP, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, empowers the court to revoke Peter’s bail if he’s found committing another offense while on bail. It’s a powerful argument, one that the court will have to carefully consider.

The Reliefs Sought: What’s at Stake?

The IGP isn’t holding back. He’s seeking three key reliefs from the court: an order revoking Peter’s bail for violating its conditions, an order remanding Peter in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service until the conclusion of the trial, and any further orders the court deems appropriate given the circumstances. These requests highlight the seriousness of the situation and the IGP’s determination to ensure justice is served.

So there you have it, folks. This case is far from over, and the stakes are incredibly high. It’s a story that’s unfolding right before our eyes, with implications that could shape the legal landscape in Nigeria for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as this drama continues to unfold in the courts of Abuja.