metro
Kidnappers free abducted church members after collecting N50m ransom
Kidnappers free abducted church members after collecting N50m ransom
A clutch of church members abducted a week ago in Ondo state have been released by their captors.
The abductees are choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo state.
The choir members of the church were abducted along Ifon-Benin road on their way to a funeral ceremony.
The church was said to have paid N50m in ransom to secure the release of the abducted members.
The abductors had on the second day of the abduction asked for N50m ransom for the release of the remaining 17 victims after eight of the 25 abducted escaped from the kidnappers den last week Saturday.
A church leader told newsmen that the kidnappers rejected the N22m taken to them and insisted on the N50m that they demanded.
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According to him ”we had no choice than to look for the N50 m to give to them before our members were released. It was tough but we thank God, we were able to gather the amount. “The joy there is that our members have regained their freedom and were not hurt except the beating they received when we were negotiating the ransom with the kidnappers”.
A church leader who confirmed the release of the abducted victims said they were dropped at the same point they were picked last Friday night while they arrived in Akure around midnight.
He confirmed that a substantial amount of money was paid as ransom by the church and the families of the victims to secure their release.
According to him “The negotiating team of the church returned with the remaining victims at 11:47 pm to the premises of the church in Akure. “They were subsequently taken to the hospital as they all looked weak and frail and we rushed them to the police clinic in Akure. They are responding to treatment”
The Regional Superintendent of the church, Odubanjo Region, Pastor Benjamin Akande, who confirmed the release of the church members, expressed gratitude to God for the release of the victims.
He said most of the victims were exhausted and looked frail, saying they have been taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Kidnappers free abducted church members after collecting N50m ransom
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metro
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Police uncover coffin buried 1.5 metres underground as investigation into Nigerian pastor’s properties deepens
A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives uncovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The shocking discovery has plunged Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, into the centre of a widening investigation by Cameroonian authorities.
The latest discovery was reportedly made on September 19, 2026, at a property in Nkoabang, Yaoundé, during an investigation into activities allegedly linked to the cleric.
According to reports from Cameroon, police discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground beneath a concrete slab.
Inside the coffin was what investigators described as a mummified human body.
The remains were reportedly dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery and appeared to be those of a woman.
But authorities have not yet publicly established the identity of the deceased, when she died or how she came to be buried beneath the property.
The discovery has therefore raised a string of unanswered questions as investigators intensify their probe.
Secret burial uncovered
The discovery reportedly followed an examination of the property after part of the structure was damaged, exposing an underground section.
Police subsequently conducted a search and allegedly found the coffin concealed beneath the concrete.
Investigators are expected to carry out further forensic examinations to establish the identity of the remains and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have also reportedly sought permission to conduct additional searches of the premises amid concerns that further evidence could be hidden within the property.
The latest discovery comes barely days after investigators reportedly made another disturbing finding at a different property linked to the ministry.
On September 6, security operatives reportedly raided a property in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé, where they allegedly found 20 people inside a basement.
The group reportedly comprised 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.
The discovery triggered further investigations into the activities taking place at properties allegedly associated with the ministry.
30 rooms, underground pit discovered
The investigation subsequently moved to the Nkoabang property.
According to reports, investigators found about 30 rooms, five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food and functioning freezers on the premises.
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An underground pit measuring approximately two metres deep was also reportedly discovered.
The purpose of the pit has not been established publicly.
The discovery of the mummified remains has now added another disturbing dimension to the investigation.
Cameroonian authorities are reportedly examining whether there is any connection between the body and the other findings made during their operations.
However, there is currently no established evidence publicly showing that the cleric caused the death of the person whose remains were discovered.
Cleric reportedly disappears
Kenechukwu, who has reportedly been operating in Cameroon since 2018, is said to have disappeared as authorities intensified their investigation.
Cameroonian security agencies are reportedly searching for him and have taken steps to alert relevant authorities as efforts to locate him continue.
The cleric is reportedly being sought over allegations arising from the broader investigation, including claims concerning human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Authorities are expected to question Kenechukwu over the discoveries and establish his relationship with the properties and the people found there.
Investigation deepens
The case has generated considerable concern in Cameroon because of the nature of the discoveries reportedly made at properties associated with the ministry.
The finding of 20 people in a basement, the existence of numerous rooms and an underground pit, and the subsequent discovery of a coffin containing mummified remains have all intensified scrutiny of the ministry’s activities.
Investigators are expected to focus on establishing whether the different discoveries are connected or merely occurred at properties belonging to the same religious organisation.
Forensic experts will also be expected to determine the identity of the deceased, establish the cause and approximate time of death, and examine the circumstances surrounding the burial.
Until those investigations are completed, several critical questions remain unanswered.
Who was the deceased?
How did she die?
Why was her body placed inside a coffin and buried beneath a concrete slab?
Who buried the remains there, and when?
And perhaps most importantly, what connection, if any, does the discovery have with the activities under investigation at the church properties?
For now, those questions remain with Cameroonian investigators as the search for the Nigerian cleric reportedly continues.
The case is expected to generate further developments as security agencies conduct additional searches and forensic examinations.
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
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metro
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four men over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old farmer, Garba Abdullahi, who was reportedly attacked after being accused of causing a woman’s illness through witchcraft.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Dunari Village, Atahowa District, when Abdullahi was returning from his farm.
The suspects were identified by the police as Shitu Dahiru, 25; Magaji Dahiru, 42; Sabi’u Auwalu, 20; and Abbah Abdulzahar, 19.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly accused Abdullahi of being responsible for the illness of a woman identified as Sawaida Dahiru before attacking him at about 11:40am.
The suspects allegedly used knives and machetes to inflict multiple injuries on different parts of Abdullahi’s body, leaving him unconscious.
His 35-year-old younger brother later reported the incident at the Gadau Divisional Police Headquarters at about 12:35pm.
Police operatives who responded to the report evacuated Abdullahi to the General Hospital, Azare, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
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His remains were released to his family for burial, while the four suspects were taken into police custody.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on unverified and superstitious allegations.
The police commissioner stressed that no person had the right to take another person’s life and urged residents to report disputes, suspicions and suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives and property.
The incident has renewed concerns over violence arising from witchcraft allegations in parts of Bauchi State. Another woman, Habse Ubale, was reportedly hacked to death in the state in an earlier incident after she was accused of being a witch.
Police had arrested one suspect in that case and launched a search for two others.
The latest killing highlights the dangers of acting on unverified claims of witchcraft and other forms of superstition. Security authorities have repeatedly urged communities to seek lawful intervention when disputes arise rather than resort to violence.
The four suspects remain accused persons, and their alleged involvement in Abdullahi’s death will be determined through the investigation and judicial process.
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
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metro
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish an amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi region of Rivers State who are willing to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
Nwuche said individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, robbery, assault and other violent activities should be given an opportunity to abandon criminality through a structured process of rehabilitation, reorientation, skills acquisition and reintegration into their communities.
He made the appeal through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, during the opening of the 2026 Upata Folklore (Ele) at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Orashi region comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Nwuche expressed concern over the security challenges confronting parts of the region, particularly Ahoada and neighbouring communities, where residents have continued to face killings and other forms of violent crime.
He cited the 2023 killing of SP Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, who was killed during an operation against criminal elements in the area. The incident triggered intensified security operations and investigations in the region.
According to Nwuche, repeated calls had previously been made for the Rivers State Government to introduce an amnesty initiative for youths willing to abandon criminal activities, but such a programme had yet to materialise.
He therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to consider a comprehensive amnesty framework for individuals who genuinely renounce violence.
He said such a programme should include the surrender of weapons, proper identification and screening of participants, rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration into society, alongside mechanisms for monitoring beneficiaries.
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Nwuche also urged youths still involved in violent activities to take advantage of any genuine rehabilitation opportunity provided by government rather than continue on a path that threatens lives and undermines the economic prospects of their communities.
He said insecurity had affected economic activities across the Orashi region, making it difficult for residents to farm, trade and carry out other legitimate businesses without fear.
The former deputy speaker called for greater cooperation among government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
He also appealed to traditional rulers in Ekpeye land to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, urging them to work together in addressing issues affecting their communities.
The remarks were made during the Upata cultural festival, which attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women, youths, students and other members of the Ekpeye community.
The Eze Igbu Upata III, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, declared the festival open and described it as an important platform for preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Upata people.
The monarch said the annual celebration, traditionally held after the harvest season, provides an opportunity for the community to promote unity, hospitality and peaceful relations while passing its traditions and history to younger generations.
Nwuche further encouraged young people in the region to reject criminality and pursue legitimate economic opportunities, stressing that sustainable development could only take place in an environment where lives and property are protected.
He also urged the traditional institution to maintain constructive engagement with government authorities and oil companies in order to protect the interests of local communities.
The call for an amnesty for repentant cultists and militants comes amid wider debates over how to address youth involvement in cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities in parts of Rivers State.
If adopted, any such initiative would require clearly defined eligibility conditions, verification of participants, weapon surrender procedures and sustained rehabilitation and monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries genuinely abandon violent activities.
For communities in the Orashi region, the proposed approach would combine security measures with rehabilitation and economic opportunities for youths willing to renounce violence, while those who continue to commit crimes would remain subject to existing laws.
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
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