A Benue social media activist, Mr Paul Gyengyer, who was recently arrested and remanded in custody for defaming the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has been released.
His release from prison on Friday was confirmed by the Publicity Secretary of the opposition Benue State Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Bemgba Iortyom.
The young social media activist had spent almost two months in Makurdi Federal Correctional Centre after being arrested in July.
He had been charged with spreading false news injurious to the governor and remanded in prison by a Markurdi Magistrate Court.
Gyengyer was first arrested in July following a publication on his Facebook page alleging that Governor Alia dịverted the removal of fuel subsidy palliatives meant for the state for personal use.
Responding to his arrest and detention, Gyengyer sued the Police, seeking damages of N200 million, citing wrongful detention and mistreatment, and demanding his immediate release.
Gyengyer’s arrest and alleged treatment attracted widespread condemnation in the state.
