A police investigation has blown up the cover of Plateau-based pastor Albarka Sukuya who, on two occasions, planned his abduction and raised N600,000 from sympathising church members.
On November 14 and 15, Sukuya connived with some gangs who whisked him away and pocketed N400,000 and N200,000 afterwards.
Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for Plateau Police Command disclosed this in a statement obtained by WikkiTimes. According to Alabo, the pastor was invited by Musa Hassan, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nasarawa Gwong Police Station who launched an investigation into the matter. It would later be discovered that the abductions were staged.
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However, the pastor had revealed the identities of his gang members among whom two have been arrested while the other is at large, according to Alabo.
The statement read: “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.
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“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.
“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.”
