Police Summon Ex-Dunamis Pastor Amid Controversy With Founder Paul Enenche

Police Summon Ex-Dunamis Pastor Amid Controversy With Founder Paul Enenche

The Nigerian Police Force has summoned Pastor Abraham Daniel, a former minister of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, for questioning in a case steeped in allegations of betrayal, defamation, and cyberbullying. The move comes as the fallout between Pastor Daniel and the church’s founder, Pastor Paul Enenche, escalates.

The summons, signed by DCP Alhassan Kawu Yahaya on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, directs Pastor Daniel to appear at the FID Complex on January 7, 2025. The letter cited the need for clarification on allegations of “cyberbullying, criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, false publication, and inciting public nuisance.”

“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police… on arrival, you may wish to come along with your attorney,” the letter stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

A Gentleman’s Agreement Unravels

The saga began when Pastor Daniel accused Pastor Enenche of reneging on a “gentleman’s agreement” tied to an alleged out-of-court settlement. According to Daniel, the agreement, reached after years of conflict, included a promise from the church to replace his damaged 2004 Toyota Corolla, a lifeline for his family’s livelihood.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, Daniel recounted, “It was a verbal agreement during our meeting at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). No lawyer was involved; we both laid out our conditions and agreed to withdraw the case.”

Daniel claims the car was damaged during an incident in 2020 when he was reportedly trailed by agents of Pastor Enenche. This, he alleges, was part of a broader campaign of intimidation following his public criticisms of the church on social media.

Allegations of Blackmail and Betrayal

Pastor Daniel’s grievances extend beyond the damaged car. He has accused Pastor Enenche and the Dunamis leadership of orchestrating his imprisonment. “They falsely accused me of embezzling church funds and blackmailing the pastor,” Daniel stated.

The accusations led to his detention at Suleja Prison, Abuja, for three weeks. He described the ordeal as a turning point, costing him his family and business. “My wife left with our five children, allegedly influenced by the church. I lost everything,” Daniel lamented.

Daniel also accused the church of meddling in his personal life. “They intervened in my marriage and made my life a living hell. I warned them to stay away from my family,” he said, adding that his struggles have only worsened since the church failed to honor the agreement.

Church Leadership Denies Claims

While Pastor Enenche has remained silent on the recent developments, sources close to Dunamis International Gospel Centre have refuted Pastor Daniel’s allegations, describing them as baseless attempts to tarnish the church’s reputation.

“The church operates with integrity and has no history of such malicious practices,” a source stated, adding that the accusations were part of an orchestrated effort to defame Pastor Enenche.

Legal Implications and Public Reaction

The case has stirred significant public interest, with observers divided on who to believe. Legal experts note that the situation highlights the dangers of informal agreements, especially in sensitive matters involving public figures.

“The absence of a written agreement complicates the case,” noted Barrister Anthony Ogunleye, a legal analyst. “It’s essentially a ‘he said, she said’ scenario, and proving breach of agreement becomes difficult without documented evidence.”

Social media users have weighed in, with some sympathizing with Pastor Daniel’s plight while others question the validity of his claims.

Police Probe Deepens

The Nigerian Police’s involvement marks a critical turn in the conflict. Pastor Daniel is expected to provide clarifications on the allegations against him, including claims of defamation and incitement.

Police sources indicate that the investigation will also scrutinize the church’s role in the controversy. “No one is above the law, and we will thoroughly investigate all aspects of this case,” a senior officer stated.

A Struggle for Redemption

For Pastor Daniel, the path forward remains uncertain. He insists he is seeking justice, not vengeance. “All I want is for the church to fulfill its promise and leave my family alone. My children and I have suffered enough,” he said.