Cyberstalking: Court stalls fresh trial of ex-NBA chairman

A fresh arraignment attempt for Gabriel Tsenyen, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Shendam, Plateau State, was halted by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Tsenyen, also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, was to face new charges related to cyberstalking and inciting public disturbances.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the proceedings to August 20 to decide whether Tsenyen can be tried again on these allegations. The stall occurred when Tsenyen's lead counsel, Emmanuel Esene, SAN, objected to the arraignment. Esene argued that his client had already been brought before the same court on identical charges, and that case was adjourned for trial on September 28. He contended that a fresh trial would constitute double jeopardy.

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he had already been arraigned on the same allegations

Representing the Department of State Services (DSS), counsel Muinat Oladunjoye stated she was unaware of any prior charges against Tsenyen. This led to a conflict in positions. Justice Abdulmalik requested the defense to provide a copy of the earlier charge, which was presented. The judge then asked for the record of proceedings from the initial case to verify the claim of prior arraignment on the same allegations.

Esene was unable to immediately produce the record, citing that the fresh charge came as a surprise. Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the record of proceedings from the earlier trial be submitted on August 20. Pending this review, Tsenyen was ordered to be remanded in DSS custody. The new charges were filed by Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation. The first count alleges Tsenyen sent a malicious publication on a local WhatsApp platform in May 2026, falsely accusing the community of plotting to eliminate him, with intent to cause annoyance and anxiety. The second count alleges the same publication was sent with the intent to incite public peace, contrary to the Cybercrimes Act.

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she was unaware of any previous charge against Tsenyen.