Police Secure Court Order to Detain Reno Omokri Over Alleged Defamation of Pastor Paul Enenche
The Nigerian Police Force has obtained a court order to detain Reno Omokri, a social media influencer and former special assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, in connection with an alleged defamation case involving Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis Church. Omokri, along with former Dunamis Church pastor Abraham Daniel and two other individuals, is facing accusations of defaming the pastor.
A Chief Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued the remand order on January 13, 2025, following a petition filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The application, which was submitted through legal representative Francis Gabriel, sought the detention of the individuals named in the case, including Omokri, for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel A. Iyanna, granted the police’s request, ordering that the accused individuals be held in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until their arraignment. The remand warrant was issued in response to allegations made by Patrick O. Okolo, SAN, who accused Omokri and others of defaming Enenche and causing damage to his reputation.
The case also involves individuals associated with the Gistlover Blog, Aunty Adul, Peter Obonyiro, and Kelechi TV, who are alleged to have conspired in the defamation campaign. The court has scheduled a return date for January 30, 2025, when the accused individuals are expected to appear before the court.
Magistrate Iyanna confirmed the order, stating, “Upon hearing the application and considering the evidence presented, the court grants the remand order as prayed. The accused individuals are to be held pending investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.”
The case has attracted considerable attention, and the police are expected to continue their investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged
defamation.
