By Kingsley Omonobi
The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap a prophetess and assistant Pastor in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and arrested four suspects with a locally fabricated firearm and a vehicle allegedly acquired for the operation.
Parading the suspects as part of recent operations targeting kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, Commander of IRT, DCP Adamu Muazu noted that the alleged plot was particularly disturbing because some of the suspects were members of the same church with the intended victim, identified as Prophetess Elizabeth.
Muazu said the Prophetess Elizabeth had reportedly given testimony in church about her personal achievements and business success, after which some members of the congregation allegedly began planning her abduction.
He disclosed that one of the suspects, David Obaje, was said to have worked as Elizabeth’s driver for about three months and had been a member of the church for approximately four years, giving him knowledge of her movements and routines.
DCP Muazu added that another suspect, David Dennis, reportedly belonged to the church for about six years and worked as a bodyguard to the senior pastor.
The Commander said Police investigators alleged that the suspects used a WhatsApp group to coordinate the planned kidnapping and had also arranged for another person to be brought from Kogi State to participate in the operation.
He added that the suspects planned to attack Elizabeth after an evening church service on October 1 by using a vehicle to block or deliberately hit her car, creating the appearance of a road accident and forcing her to stop.
“She would then allegedly be overpowered and taken to a predetermined location where she was expected to be held”.
The IRT boss further explained that the investigation led to the recovery of the vehicle allegedly acquired for the operation, as well as a firearm reportedly procured for the planned abduction.
Revealing that the suspects claimed the weapon was purchased from a vigilante group for N120,000, the IRT Commander described the recovered weapon as a locally fabricated AK-47.
He said Investigators also recovered a security uniform allegedly obtained as part of preparations for the operation.
The Commander, however, disclosed that the planned abduction was disrupted after the IRT received intelligence about the alleged conspiracy and arrested the suspects before the operation could be carried out.
DCP Muazu warned members of the public against disclosing sensitive personal information, particularly details about their finances, businesses, properties, movements and personal achievements in public gatherings.
He urged churches to strengthen security around their premises, especially during evening services, through adequate lighting, controlled access and proper monitoring of people and vehicles.
DCP Muazu assured Nigerians that the IRT would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal networks and prevent planned attacks.
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