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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Jos-based pastor, Albarka Bitrus Sukuya, who was arrested by the men of the Plateau State Police Command on Wednesday, has explained why he staged his own kidnap and collected ransom from members of his church.
Recall that the police had disclosed that they arrested the pastor alongside his collaborators following intelligence reports after church members paid N600,000 ransom to secure his release.
The police said Sukuya, of ECWA Church, Bishara 3, Jos, had on two occasions staged his own kidnap and collected ransom from members of his congregation.
Speaking at the police headquarters on Thursday, the accused said he staged his own kidnap due to financial challenges he was facing, adding that he regretted his action.
“I put myself into these activities because of the financial challenges I am facing. When I did the first one, I felt guilty. When I went out, the money with me got finished. I was thinking of coming back. I was just confused. That is why I did the second one. I am regretting my action,” he said.
When asked why he burnt the vehicle of his senior pastor, Sukuya said: “I burnt the vehicle because I was guilty of what I did. I was just confused. I don’t even know what came over me. Being a pastor, that is why the spirit of God didn’t allow me to go without confessing my action. I am sorry for what I have done. I am really sorry.’’
According to the police, the suspect collected the sum of N400,000 on November 14, 2022, and on November 30, he staged another kidnap of himself and collected the sum of N200,000 from members of his church.
