Busted: Pastor masterminds own kidnap twice, collects ransom from congregants

A Christian cleric, Pastor Albarka Sukuya, is cooling his feet in police custody for allegedly masterminding his own kidnap and collecting ransom from his own congregation and sympathisers.

The acclaimed clergyman staged his factitious kidnap on November 14 and 15 of 2022, and a sum of #400,000 and #200,000 were paid respectively to secure his release, according to the police.

Sukuya had conspired with others I apprehended yet carry out the dastardly acts.

Persecondnews also learnt that the pastor had on January 1, 2023 set fire to ECWA Church, Bishara 3, Jenta Apata premises destroying vehicles and bicycles.

Confirming the incidents, Plateau Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo said: ”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.”