Tobias Sylvester
Imo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old pastor of the Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos, Izuchukwu Anoloba, for allegedly kidnapping a 45-year-old Catholic priest, Fidelis Ekemgba.
The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini made this known on Thursday while parading the ‘pastor’ alongside other suspects in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Hussaini said the priest who was double-crossed and whisked away by a deadly syndicate, spent about seven days in captivity until a N5 million ransom was paid.
The CP also disclosed that the priest in charge of St. Peters Catholic Parish in Umunohu Amakaohia in the Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of the state.
He noted that the suspect was arrested in Lagos following intelligence gathering by men of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command who went into action immediately the command was informed of the incident.
The CP commended his men for an excellent job, stating that he would continue to make the state uncomfortable for criminals.
While answering questions from journalists, the pastor who described himself as a disgrace ” to the body of Christ”, said that he got N1.5m from the ransom the priest paid them.
He said, “I am a pastor with the Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos. I got N1.5 million from the kidnap of the priest. I never knew I will be arrested. I regret my actions because I am now a disgrace to the body of Christ and my family.”
KanyiDaily had also reported how a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Oluchukwu Ezeagu, was abducted by unknown gunmen in Imo State, while travelling for his father’s burial in Aguata, Anambra State.
