A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi on Wednesday, ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, identified as Paul Gyenger, in a correctional facility for allegedly defaming Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State by labelling him a “chronic womaniser” on social media.
Gyenger, a resident of Makurdi, was charged with cyberstalking and defamation.
During the proceedings, Chief Magistrate Kelvin Mbanongun declined to take Gyenger’s plea, and cited a lack of jurisdiction over the matter.
The court adjourned the case until December 17, 2024, for further mention.
The incident reportedly came to light following a complaint filed by ASP Ver Ingyatu, the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), with the Anti-Cyber Crimes and Narcotics Unit in Makurdi on October 16, 2024.
According to the prosecution counsel, Inspector Godwin Ato, the defendant is accused of posting defamatory content on a Facebook account under the name Terna Sunday Tyo on October 16, 2024.
The post allegedly described Governor Alia as “a chronic womanizer” and included further derogatory comments in Tiv, the local language.
However, Inspector Ato noted that a police investigation led to Gyenger’s arrest.
He further argued that the defendant’s actions violate Section 24 of the Cyber-crimes Act, 2015, which addresses online defamation and cyberstalking, as well as Section 393 of the Penal Code of Benue State, 2004.