Gunmen kidnap Lagos cleric, demand N30m ransom

Oluwatosin Alayo, the Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ, Nazareth Parish 1, in Lagos State’s Ikorodu region, has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen.

According to reports, the gunmen kidnapped the cleric when they stormed the residence of the Shepherd situated in the Adamo area of the state.

According to those familiar with the situation, the incident occurred less than 24 hours after the church’s annual adult harvest.

A member of the church spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident and told the journalist, “We called to congratulate him (the cleric) on the success of the church harvest on Monday evening but could not reach him on the phone.

“It was the following morning that another member of the church informed us that his home was attacked on Monday evening by some gunmen who took him away to an unknown destination. We are in serious panic, and we have also intensified prayers for his safety and freedom.”

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Another church member, simply named Taiwo, told our correspondent that the abductors had contacted the victim’s relatives and demanded a ransom of N30 million.

“Details of the communication are still unclear, but we got to know that 24 hours after the incident, the kidnappers confirmed the Shepherd’s presence in their captivity and also demanded a ransom of N30m. That is all we know for now,” he added.

The church has alerted members on its various social media platforms while also calling for prayers.

“A CCC Shepherd has been kidnapped, and now they’re demanding N30m as ransom. Your prayer is highly needed,” one of the posts read.

“Kidnapping notice: Snr. Evang. Adeyemi Oluwatosin Alayo, shepherd in charge of CCC Nazareth Parish, Adamo Agunfoye, was kidnapped on Monday, a day after his 21st adult harvest. Kidnappers are demanding N30m. Please, let’s remember him and his parish in prayers,” another post read.

When contacted, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police public relations officer, confirmed the incident. He, however, denied knowledge of the ransom demanded.

“I can confirm that he was kidnapped. I cannot confirm the ransom demand,” Hundeyin said.

Gunmen kidnap Lagos cleric, demand N30m ransom

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EFCC begins fresh hunt as Yahaya Bello goes into hiding

The drama that unfolded on Wednesday between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is yet to find a landing spot.

EFCC operatives surrounded the state government lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where Bello was reportedly hiding, but failed to apprehend him.

Prior to the operation, Bello had claimed he was complying with the EFCC’s summons, asserting he had nothing to conceal.

However, sources indicate that he has since returned to the Kogi State Government House, where he had been hiding before his trip to Abuja.

After several hours of attempting to arrest him, EFCC officials expressed frustration at their inability to detain the former governor, suggesting that he is being protected by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

One anonymous source within the EFCC revealed, “If not for the current governor providing him cover, we would have executed the arrest. We are bound by the law and are cautious about the immunity enjoyed by Governor Ododo.”

The same strategies that allowed Bello to avoid capture previously were reportedly employed again.

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An insider from the Kogi government criticized the EFCC’s tactics, claiming that Bello was unfairly targeted despite his cooperation.

The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April for allegedly evading multiple invitations related to investigations into a suspected N80.2 billion money laundering scheme.

Tensions escalated during a previous attempt to arrest him, which involved armed operatives and backup from police and security services.

Following that incident, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reached out personally to Bello, offering to facilitate his interrogation at EFCC headquarters. However, Bello declined the offer, claiming concerns about potential media scrutiny.

On Wednesday morning, Bello’s media team issued a statement affirming his respect for legal processes, asserting his intention to clear his name. They emphasized that he has consistently cooperated with authorities.

In contrast, the EFCC promptly refuted claims that he was in their custody, reiterating his status as a wanted individual.

Internal discussions within the EFCC indicate that they are reevaluating their strategies to secure his arrest, though specific details remain undisclosed.

As this situation continues to develop, the EFCC appears determined to pursue its investigation into the former governor’s alleged financial misconduct.

EFCC begins fresh hunt as Yahaya Bello goes into hiding