The Plateau State Police has arrested a clergyman who faked his abduction twice for ransom .
The pastor alongside three other conspirators burnt a vehicle belonging to a senior pastor, other vehicles and property to cover up his crime.
The release by Plateau state police command concerning a pastor from a non-denomination church who faked his kidnapping has Jos residents troubled.
He was kidnapped twice and on both incidences ransom was paid to secure his release by the kidnappers but his luck ran out this time when he was picked up by the police operatives in an isolated area.
Upon investigation, he confessed to his crime to the authorities.
The suspect, who is accused of criminal conspiracy, self-kidnapping, and mischief is a resident of Jenta Apata and was working alongside other members of his gang to fake his kidnap while his sympathetic members contributed money to pay for ransom.
Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, said: “The Plateau State Police Command has again uncovered the nefarious act of one Pastor Albarka Bitrus Sukuya of Jenta Apata, Jos, who on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and received ransom from sympathizing members of his congregation.
“Sequel to his spurious kidnaps of 14/11/2022 and 30/11/2022 where N400,000 and N200,000 were respectively paid by his sympathisers as ransom for his release, the incidents triggered suspicion.
“Through credible intelligence, the clergyman was invited by the DPO Nassarawa Gwong Police Station, CSP Musa Hassan, and the investigation commenced immediately.
“In the course of the investigation, it was established that the suspect has been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collecting the ransom.
Police authorities in Plateau have appealed to all residents to assist them with useful information that will aid in riding the state of all forms of criminal activities .
