Benue: Court summons Gov Alia, over arrest, detention of Paul Gyenger

Makurdi, Benue State – A Benue State High Court presided over by Justice John Shishi has issued a compelling order demanding the presence of notable state figures, including Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Benue State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney General of Benue State.

The order commands their appearance before the court on Monday, September 4, 2023, to provide justification for the continued detention of Mr. Terhemba Paul Gyenger.

The ruling stems from a motion ex-parte submitted by Clement Mue, the State Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State.

The matter revolves around the recent arrest of Mr Terhemba Paul Gyenger, a young man and prominent social media activist, allegedly on account of his critical commentary regarding the state government on various online platforms.

The arrest, which took place on the evening of August 25, 2023, has spurred widespread public concern and debate.

The court’s directive is a result of growing public outcry and mounting pressure, as the arrest of Gyenger has fueled discussions on freedom of expression and democratic rights.

This development comes after the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, was alleged to be directly involved in the arrest of Gyenger for his online criticisms of the government’s policies and actions.

Notably, the Benue State PDP has voiced strong objections to the circumstances surrounding Gyenger’s detention, alleging that it is a misuse of power and an attempt to stifle dissent.

The PDP’s assertion that the governor played a pivotal role in the arrest is supported by their statement titled “POLICE DENIAL OF BAIL FOR DETAINED PDP’S GYENGER ON ORDERS OF GOV. ALIA UNLAWFUL.” In this official communication, signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, the party condemns the denial of bail to Gyenger and questions the priorities of the state government.

In a situation where the attention of the government is being called to matters of insecurity and violence within the state, critics argue that detaining an activist for expressing dissenting views is a misallocation of resources and a suppression of democratic values.