Gyenger Paul, a social media activist from Benue, was remanded in prison custody for alleged defamation on Thursday at the Federal Correction Center in Makurdi.

On his Facebook page, he is alleged to have posted a defamatory article about the State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

The activist was remanded in custody after the trial's magistrate, TK Attah, rejected the activist's oral application for bail due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Gyenger was charged with Cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and injurious falsehood that disparaged the Governor.

The detention of Gyengyer, who is said to be an activist, has caused widespread outrage in the state, with well-meaning people calling for his unconditional release from custody.

Though the oral application for bail by his lawyer, Clement Mue, was not granted, they are looking for various legal options to perfect his release from custody.

The Daily Post recalls that Gyengyer was arrested on Friday, August 25, 2023, at his residence in Gyado Villa, Makurdi, over his Facebook post of August 18, 2023, where he wrote that the Governor of Benue State allegedly diverted N2 billion sent to the state by the federal government out of the N5 billion in palliatives meant for the people.

He also alleged that the governor used part of the money to complete his Guzape Abuja mansion.

It will also be recalled that Mr. Gyengyer has sued Gov. Hyacinth Alia, Police officers, and the Attorney General of Benue State for N200 million for his purported wrongful arrest over a story on his Facebook page.

His lawyers are preparing to approach the Federal High Court, which has jurisdiction over the case, to apply for his bail.