
I KIDNAPPED KADUNA PRIEST FOR N200,000 – SUSPECT
A key suspect in the kidnapping and killing of a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafachan, Kaduna State, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, has explained his reasons for the crime.
Speaking at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos on Thursday, the suspect said he kidnapped Okechukwu because he needed ₦200,000 to solve a personal problem.
Okechukwu was abducted on March 4 at his home in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area.
His body was found the next day, March 5.
While the suspect admitted to planning the abduction, he denied ordering the priest’s murder.
“Fr. Okechukwu was living in our house in Tachira. I planned his kidnapping because I needed ₦200,000 to solve a problem.
“I invited some guys from other places to help, but I never told them to kill him. I don’t know why they did it because I had already left before it happened,” he said.
Another suspect, also in custody, confirmed that the chief suspect pressured him into joining the crime.
“At first, I refused, but he insisted. We grew up in the same community, so I later agreed. On that day, I left my place in Warsa-Piti, Lere Local Government, to join in the kidnapping.
“He also brought in others from Bokkos in Plateau State, and they came with guns. After we took the priest and walked some distance, we left him with them. We don’t know why they killed him,” he said.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following a raid by troops in a settlement at the Warsa-Piti community of Lere LGA of the state.
More Stories
LAGOS FIRST LADY, OTHERS HONOR TG/PS EDUCATION DISTRICT II, MRS. ANIKE ADEKANYE AS SHE RETIRES IN GRAND STYLE (PHOTOS)
Mrs. Anike Adekanye, the outgoing Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Lagos State’s Education District II, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, the...
TINUBU SET TO RETURN TO NIGERIA TODAY, PRESIDENCY CONFIRMS
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria today after spending nearly two weeks abroad, according to his Special...
BREAKING: POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 88
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter...
ARMY ARREST 23 OIL THIEVES, DISMANTLES 13 ILLEGAL REFINERY IN NIGER DELTA
23 oil thieves arrested as army dismantles 13 illegal refinery sites Army said on Sunday that its troops, in the...
FOUR WORKERS DIE DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OPERATION IN BAUCHI WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Four workers have died during a routine maintenance operation at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant in Bauchi. The...
KWARA RESIDENTS CONFIRM BANDITS’ PRESENCE IN BARUTEN LG COUNCIL
Residents of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have confirmed the presence of armed bandits in the northern part...