Ex-NBA Branch Chairman Remanded Over Alleged Cyberstalking, Incitement

A Federal High Court in Abuja, has remanded Gabriel-Nkup Tsenyen, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Shendam Branch, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of cyberstalking and incitement of public disturbances.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered Tsenyen’s remand on Friday, August 14, 2026, after the prosecution sought to arraign him on the charges.

The court, however, adjourned the matter until August 20 to determine whether the fresh trial is proper, following an objection by the defendant’s lawyer, Emmanuel Esene (SAN).

Esene challenged the proposed arraignment, arguing that Tsenyen had already been arraigned before another Federal High Court in Abuja, over the same allegations.

According to the defence counsel, the earlier case had already been scheduled for trial on September 28, raising concerns over possible double jeopardy if his client was arraigned again on the same charges.

The development prompted the court to demand evidence of the earlier proceedings.

Esene immediately tendered a copy of the previous charge, while the prosecution counsel, Muinat Oladunjoye, said she was unaware of any earlier case involving the defendant on the same allegations.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently, ordered that the records of proceedings from the earlier case be produced before the court on August 20.

The defence explained that it could not immediately provide the records because the new charge had come as a surprise on August 13.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2026, was filed by Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation.

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According to the prosecution, Tsenyen allegedly made a malicious publication on a local community WhatsApp platform in May 2026.

The prosecution alleged that he claimed the entire Ngootuguut community was involved in a plot to eliminate him.

The authorities further alleged that Tsenyen knew the publication was false but circulated it with the intention of causing enmity, hatred, ill-will and unnecessary anxiety within the community.

The alleged offence was said to be punishable under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

The case has now raised a significant legal question over whether the former NBA branch chairman can be subjected to a fresh arraignment on allegations his defence says have already been brought before the court.

The Federal High Court is expected to address that issue when the matter returns on August 20, with the records of the earlier proceedings expected to help determine the propriety or otherwise of the new trial.