Plateau ‘Pastor’ Kidnaps Self, Collects Ransom From Members

Kidnapping is seen as a lucrative business and the easiest means of becoming rich by those involved in this crime.

 One of the major causes of kidnapping in Nigeria is quick-money syndrome.

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested Albarka Sukuya, a pastor based in Plateau State, for allegedly kidnapping himself and collecting ransom from his church members.

Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau, who confirmed this in a statement, on Wednesday in Jos said the suspect was arrested in November.

He said he severally staged his kidnap to dupe unsuspecting persons.

“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 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 has been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransom. He has confessed to committing the crime'' he said.

“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. He has confessed to committing the crime.”

Alabo mentioned 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 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.