A Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi on Wednesday ordered the detention of 35-year-old Paul Gyenger at a custodial facility, following allegations that he insulted Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on social media, describing him as a “chronic womaniser.”
Gyenger, a Benue State native, faces charges of cyberstalking and defamation of character after a complaint was filed by the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), ASP Ver Ingyatu. According to reports, Gyenger allegedly used a Facebook account under the name Terna Sunday Tyo to post derogatory remarks about Governor Alia, calling him a “chronic womaniser” and including abusive language in Tiv.
During the hearing, Inspector Godwin Ato, representing the prosecution, confirmed that the complaint had been filed with the Anti-Cyber Crimes and Narcotics Unit in Makurdi on October 16, 2024.
Chief Magistrate Kelvin Mbanongun, citing the court’s limited jurisdiction, declined to accept Gyenger’s plea and subsequently ordered his remand. The court adjourned the case until December 17, 2024, for further proceedings.