The State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), has arraigned a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Plateau State, Gabriel Tsenyen, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a WhatsApp publication alleging that members of his community were plotting to kill him.
According to court documents, Mr. Tsenyen is facing a four-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The charges stem from a message allegedly posted on the Ngootuguit Local Community WhatsApp platform on May 15, 2026.
The DSS accused the former NBA chairman of publishing claims that the entire Ngootuguit community was involved in a conspiracy to eliminate him.
Prosecutors alleged that he knew the claims were false and circulated them with the intention of causing fear, hostility, intimidation, anxiety and division within the community.
Four Charges Filed
IIn the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/317/2026, the DSS alleged that Mr. Tsenyen conspired with persons currently at large to circulate the publication, an offence punishable under relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
The prosecution also accused him of attempting to transmit the publication through WhatsApp and subsequently transmitting the allegedly false information through the platform.
According to the case summary, the charges are linked to a publication in which Mr. Tsenyen allegedly claimed that members of the Ngootuguit community had concluded plans to eliminate him.
The prosecution team includes M. E. Ernest, O. M. Owan, U. M. Bulla, C. S. Eze and E. G. Orubor, all legal officers representing the DSS.
DSS Lists Investigating Officer as Witness
Court records indicate that the DSS investigating officer will testify as the prosecution’s witness. The agency also reserved the right to call additional witnesses during the trial if necessary.
Odinkalu Questions Prosecution
Reacting to the development, human rights advocate and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, questioned the decision to prosecute Mr. Tsenyen under the Cybercrimes Act.
In a post shared on his verified X account on June 24, Odinkalu argued that applying cybercrime laws to the case raises important concerns about freedom of expression and the scope of the law.
While acknowledging that Mr. Tsenyen may have exercised poor judgment in handling his fears publicly, Odinkalu maintained that prosecuting him under cybercrime legislation was difficult to justify.
Growing Debate Over Cybercrime Law
The case has already sparked discussions among legal practitioners and civil rights advocates, many of whom continue to express concern over the use of the Cybercrimes Act in matters involving speech and online publications.
Critics argue that the law has increasingly been used to prosecute individuals over controversial online statements, while supporters insist that false information capable of causing public unrest must be addressed within the framework of existing laws.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor Mr. Tsenyen had issued any further public statement regarding the charges.
The matter is expected to test the boundaries between online expression, public safety and the enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
This report is based on information originally published by Premium Times and has been updated by Headlineswave.ng for clarity, context and readership value.
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