A pastor has been arrested by the men of the Nigerian police in Plateau state for allegedly kidnapping himself several times and demanding for ransom from the members of his congregation.
DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday 11 January 2023.
”The Police has uncovered the nefarious act of one Pastor Albarka Sukuya of Jenta Apata, Jos, who on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and received ransom from sympathising members of his congregation.
”Sequel to his spurious kidnaps of Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, 2022, where N400,000 and N200,000, respectively, were paid by his sympathizers as ransom for his release, the incidents triggered suspicion.
”Through credible intelligence, the clergyman was invited by the DPO Nasarawa Gwong Police Station, CSP Musa Hassan and investigation commenced immediately.
”In the course of investigation, the suspect confessed that he has been conspiring with his gang members to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransom from the unsuspecting members of his church.
Alabo said that the suspect had revealed the identity of three other members of his gang, adding that two of them were arrested while one is still at large.
”The suspect further disclosed that on Jan. 1, he set ablaze the vehicles and a bicycle parked at ECWA Bishara 3, Jenta Apata premises belonging to his colleagues,” Alabo alleged.
The police spokesperson called on members of the public to be watchful and ensure timely report of any suspicious happenings around them to relevant security agencies for prompt response.