Apostolic church pastor allegedly kidnaps Catholic priest, collects ransom in Imo

A pastor of the Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos identified as pastor Izuchukwu Anoloba, 35, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping a Catholic priest, Fidelis Ekemgba.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini made this known while parading the ‘pastor’ alongside other suspects in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The CP revealed that the Catholic Priest who was double-crossed and whisked away by a deadly syndicate, spent about seven days in captivity prior to the arrest.

According to him, the 45-year-old priest in charge of St. Peters Catholic parish in Umunohu Amakaohia in the Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of the state was forced to pay N5 million to the abductors before he was released.

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He noted that the suspect was arrested in Lagos State following intelligence gathering by men of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command who went into action immediately the command was informed of the incident.

The CP commended his men for an excellent job, stating that he would continue to make the state uncomfortable for criminals.

While answering questions from journalists, Anoloba, said that he got N1.5m from the ransom the priest paid them.

He said, “I am a pastor with the Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos. I got N1.5 million from the kidnap of the priest.

“I never knew I will be arrested. I regret my actions because I am now a disgrace to the body of Christ and my family.”