Pastor Plans Own Kidnap, Collects Ransom From Congregation
The Evangelist
January 12, 2023
A Nigerian Pastor, Albarka Sukuya, has been arrested by operatives of the Plateau State Police Command for allegedly planning his own kidnap and collecting a ransom from members of his church.
This was disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday, by Spokesperson for the Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, revealing that Sukuya on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and received ransom from sympathising members of his congregation.
According to Alabo, the suspect was arrested by the police in November 2022 after his kidnap came suspicious.
The statement partly reads, ”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.
“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 a 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 the investigation, it was established that the suspect has been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransoms. He has confessed to committing the crime.
”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 further revealed that the two other members of the kidnap gang have been arrested, while one is still at large.
