The criminal trial of former Dunamis International Gospel Centre Pastor Abraham Daniel and Peter Enenche, a relative of Dunamis Church’s Senior Pastor, Paul Enenche, has been adjourned due to the absence of the presiding magistrate, Chief Emmanuel A. Iyanna.

The trial, which was scheduled to continue on Wednesday, was stalled as the magistrate failed to appear in court. No official reason was provided for his absence.

However, sources within the court disclosed that the magistrate had rushed to the court the previous day, allegedly searching for case files related to the matter while hurriedly setting aside remand orders he had previously issued.

Reports indicate that Magistrate Iyanna appeared before a disciplinary panel to respond to a petition filed by the defendants, accusing him of abusing his office, corruption, disregarding the law and procedural guidelines, and improperly issuing remand orders.

The disputed remand order had directed the detention of the defendants — Abraham Daniel, Enenche Idoga Alexander, Peter Obonyilo Enenche, and Reno Omokri — at the Nigeria Correctional Service pending investigation and prosecution.

The petition challenged the legality of the remand order, noting that it failed to specify a fixed duration for the detention, which contradicts established legal requirements that remand orders must be for a defined period, such as seven or 14 days.

Following the magistrate’s absence and the ongoing disciplinary proceedings, the trial has been adjourned to May 26, 2025.

Culled Sahara Reporters