Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Shendam Branch, Gabriel Nkup Tsenyen, over alleged WhatsApp posts connected to a land dispute involving the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.
The case has drawn attention within legal circles because of the personalities involved and the questions it raises about the limits of online expression, the role of security agencies in civil disputes, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Tsenyen, a lawyer and former NBA branch chairman, was reportedly invited by the DSS over allegations relating to messages he shared on a WhatsApp platform belonging to members of the Ngotugu’ut community. The posts were said to be connected to a long-running land disagreement in Plateau State.
The dispute reportedly involves claims over ownership and control of land, with members of the community and individuals linked to the family of the Court of Appeal President connected to different sides of the controversy. The matter has now moved beyond the community level following the decision of the DSS to initiate criminal proceedings against the former NBA official.
The security agency is expected to arraign Tsenyen before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations linked to cybercrime offences arising from the WhatsApp publications. Details of the specific statements considered offensive by the authorities were not fully made public.
The development has generated reactions among lawyers and civil rights observers, with some expressing concern over the use of a security agency in a matter that originated from a land dispute. They argue that disagreements involving property ownership should ordinarily be resolved through civil legal processes rather than criminal prosecution.
Others have maintained that while the background of a dispute may be civil, individuals can still face legal consequences if they are accused of violating existing laws through online publications. They argue that social media and messaging platforms must also operate within the boundaries of the law.
The involvement of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has increased public interest in the case due to her position as head of one of Nigeria’s highest courts. However, the allegations against Tsenyen remain matters before the court, and no determination has been made regarding his guilt or innocence.
The case also highlights growing national conversations around the use of digital platforms in disputes involving public figures, institutions, and private citizens. In recent years, Nigerian authorities have increasingly relied on cybercrime laws to investigate allegations involving online statements, a move that has continued to attract debate over balancing public order with freedom of expression.
Tsenyen, who previously held a leadership position within the Nigerian Bar Association, is expected to defend himself against the allegations when the matter comes before the court. His legal team is likely to challenge the claims and present arguments regarding the circumstances surrounding the WhatsApp messages.
As the proceedings begin, attention will focus on the evidence presented by the DSS, the interpretation of the relevant cybercrime provisions, and the court’s assessment of whether the alleged publications amount to criminal offences.
The former NBA chairman remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, and the outcome of the case will depend on the evidence and arguments presented during the judicial process.
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