A Jos-based Pastor in Plateau state, has been arrested by operatives of the Plateau State Police Command for staging his kidnap and demanding ransom from members of his congregation tuning up to the sum N600,000

The suspect, Albarka Bitrus Sukunya was arrested alongside his collaborators following intelligence reports after church members paid N600,000 ransom to secure the cleric’s release.

The Plateau State Police Command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The statement read, “The Plateau State Police Command has again uncovered the nefarious act of one pastor Albarka Bitrus Sukuya ‘m’ of Jenta Apata, Jos who on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and receive ransom from sympathizing members of his congregation.

The statement further mentioned that his atrocities triggered suspicion as a result of his spurious kidnapping on November 14 and 30, 2022, where the sums of N400,000 and N200,000 were respectively paid by his sympathisers as ransom for his release.

“Through credible intelligence, the clergyman was invited by the DPO of Nassarawa Gwong Police Station, CSP Musa Hassan, and the investigation commenced immediately.

“In the course of the investigation, it was established that the suspect had been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnapping and fraudulently collect ransom.

“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to having committed the crime and mentioned the following persons as his accomplices: Baruk Mailale, Nathaniel Bitrus, both males of Yelwan Zangam village of Jos-north, and Aye (whose surname has yet to be known) of Jalingo, Taraba State,” the command said.

According to the statement, the suspect further disclosed that on January 4, 2023, he set ablaze two motor vehicles (a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota) and a bicycle parked at Evangelical Church Winning All’s (ECWA) Bishara 3 Jenta Apata premises belonging to his colleagues, of whom he alleged one hates him, referring to his senior pastor.

The command further added that the police operatives of Nassarawa Gwong Division, Jos North Local Government Area, arrested two of the suspects, namely, Baruk Mailale and Nathaniel Bitrus and that efforts have been intensified to arrest Aye, the third suspect.

It, therefore, enjoined members of the public to be watchful and report any suspicious happenings around them or within their area on time adding that this will greatly help in arresting criminals and thereby reduce crime and criminality in the state.