The police command in Plateau has arrested a pastor who allegedly kidnapped himself several times and collected ransom from members of his congregation.
DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.
He said the suspect was arrested by the police in November 2022.
“The police have 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.
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“Sequel to his spurious kidnaps of Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, 2022, where N400,000 and N200,000, respectively, were paid by his sympathisers 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, it was established that the suspect had been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransom. He has confessed to committing the crime,” he said.
Alabo said 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 spokesman called on members of the public to be watchful and ensure timely report of any suspicious happenings around them to relevant security agencies.
