Police arrest Adamawa pastor for sending out kidnap letter, demanding N1 million
Story from Abdulaziz JAURO, Yola
The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended a 30-year-old cleric, Pastor Joel Saul of ECWA Church Kwanan Kuka, a resident of Ngurore in Yola South local government area of the state for sending a letter threatening to kidnap a citizen if he does not succumb and pay him N1 million.
His arrest followed a two-page letter he wrote in Hausa language and sent to one Oliver Mamza of Sengere along Yola-Numan road demanding N1m as ransom or risk being kidnapped and killed.
In his confessional statement, the accused (Pastor Joel Saul) admitted to being the author of the letter, saying the contents of the letter is just a mere threat for the victim to succumb to his demand.
“Yes I’m the author of the contents of the letter, but I have regretted my actions, it is the biggest mistake I ever made in my life, being ignorant of the implications of writing such a letter”
“I have never done such kind of thing, it is just a mistake that comes due to selfishness
“Actually, a shameful thing has already happened; I have now lost my integrity being a Pastor leading congregation telling them what to do as today I was caught in the act which goes contrary to my preaching,” he said.
Pastor Joel Saul urged his church members to forgive him for the situation he found himself in.
Confirming the incident, Adamawa State Police Spokesperson, SP Yahaya Nguroje said the command on the 5th September 2022 received a complaint from one Oliver Mamza that his life is at stake based on the letter sent to him by one Pastor Joel Saul.
He said CSP Ahmed Gombi led the team of investigators that led to the arrest of the suspect based on the directive by CP Sikiri Akande.
CP Akande commended the team of police who conducted the investigation and reiterated his resolve of protecting the lives and properties of residents in Adamawa.
He called on those with the habit of threatening people to desist from such acts, stating that as soon as investigation is completed, the suspect will be arraigned in court.
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