The Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap a prophetess and assistant pastor in Abuja, arresting four suspects and recovering a locally fabricated firearm and a vehicle allegedly prepared for the operation.
The suspects were paraded by the IRT as part of its recent operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
IRT Commander, DCP Adamu Muazu, said the alleged plot was particularly disturbing because some of the suspects were members of the same church as the intended victim, identified as Prophetess Elizabeth.
According to the police, Elizabeth had testified in church about her personal achievements and business success, after which some members of the congregation allegedly used information from her testimony to plan her abduction.
One of the suspects, David Obaje, reportedly worked as Elizabeth’s driver for about three months and had been a member of the church for about four years, giving him knowledge of her movements and routine.
Another suspect, David Dennis, had reportedly belonged to the church for about six years and worked as a bodyguard to the senior pastor.
The police said the suspects allegedly coordinated the planned operation through a WhatsApp group and arranged for another person to be brought from Kogi State to participate in the abduction.
Investigators alleged that the suspects planned to attack Elizabeth after an evening church service on October 1. Their plan was reportedly to use a vehicle to block or deliberately hit her car, creating the impression of a road accident and forcing her to stop.
They would then allegedly overpower her and take her to a predetermined location, where she would be held.
The vehicle allegedly acquired for the operation was recovered during the investigation, while police also seized a firearm allegedly purchased from a vigilante group for N120,000. The IRT described the weapon as a locally fabricated AK-47.
The suspects also allegedly obtained a security uniform as part of their preparations.
The operation was disrupted after the IRT received intelligence about the alleged conspiracy and moved to arrest the suspects before the planned abduction could take place.
Muazu urged members of the public, particularly worshippers, to exercise caution when disclosing sensitive information about their finances, businesses, properties, movements and personal achievements.
He also called on churches to strengthen security around their premises, especially during evening services, through adequate lighting, controlled access and proper monitoring of people and vehicles.
The commander said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and identify other persons who may have been involved.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
The IRT also paraded suspects arrested in connection with a separate highway robbery case, including two 28-year-old suspects identified as Honor and James and Inusa Sayedu. A white vehicle allegedly linked to the robbery was also recovered.
The police said investigations into the robbery case were ongoing.