Court Remands Ex-NBA Chairman in DSS Custody Over Cyberstalking Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Shendam branch chairman, Gabriel Nkup Tsenyen, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the ruling on Friday after the DSS sought to arraign Tsenyen, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, on a two-count charge of cyberstalking and incitement of public disturbances.

He will remain in DSS custody until August 20, 2026, when the court will decide whether the new trial is proper.

Tsenyen’s counsel, Emmanuel Esene, SAN, objected to the arraignment, arguing that his client had already been charged before the same court on similar allegations, with trial scheduled for September 28, 2026.

He warned that proceeding with a fresh arraignment would amount to double jeopardy.Prosecution counsel Muinat Oladunjoye, representing the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, denied knowledge of any prior charges. Justice Abdulmalik then requested records of the earlier proceedings, which the defense could not immediately provide.

Pending verification of the earlier case, the judge ordered Tsenyen’s remand at the DSS facility.

The charges allege that in May 2026, Tsenyen circulated a false publication via a local WhatsApp platform, claiming his community plotted to eliminate him.

Prosecutors say the post was intended to cause fear, hatred, and unrest, violating the Cybercrimes Act (2015) and the Penal Code Act (2004).

The court will reconvene on August 20, 2026, to review records of the earlier trial before deciding whether the new arraignment can proceed.

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