Crime
Kwara Church Defies Attack, Holds Service Despite 38 Worshippers Abducted
The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, on Sunday, held a special service inside its blood-splattered auditorium, praying for the safe return of kidnapped members and the repose of those killed during Tuesday’s brutal bandit attack.
The church on Sunday officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were abducted, contrary to earlier claims circulating on social media.
Speaking on Sunday, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said the church initially compiled 35 names of abducted members, but further verification revealed that three non-members were also taken, bringing the total number of hostages to 38.
“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We don’t want any misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.
Agbabiaka further disclosed that the kidnappers, who initially demanded N100m per victim, later reduced the ransom to N20m each after negotiations before cutting off communication on Friday.
He noted that although shock and fear still gripped the town, the church encouraged members to attend the Sunday service to strengthen their faith.
“We thank God for life today. You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage.
“We also thank the government for deploying security. They are patrolling the town, and even here in the church, security operatives are present,” he added.
Earlier during the service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith for the congregation. Quoting 2 Peter 3:10, he urged worshippers not to lose hope, saying he received divine assurances concerning the abducted victims.
“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon.
They will not die in captivity. “God says He will assist us. Our children, mothers and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom”, he said.
He also told the congregation that the worsening insecurity in Nigeria would attract divine intervention and urged them not to fear, saying current events were part of biblical prophecies about the end times.
One of the affected worshippers, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, pleaded with the authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he said.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
Troops from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have successfully raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Lantom village, Kadarko District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the soldiers stormed the criminal den on January 6, arresting four suspected gang members. During the operation, some suspects reportedly attempted to disarm a soldier while being escorted, prompting the troops to respond decisively and neutralise them.
Items recovered include one locally fabricated rifle, one axe, and one machete. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were responsible for multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Kadarko District and surrounding communities.
All seized items are now in military custody. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to provide timely information to support security efforts in the region.
Crime
Suicide bomber confesses: I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
•Ibrahim Mohammed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, has revealed chilling details of his recruitment and operations, including how he was paid to target worshippers in Maiduguri.
The confession came after his arrest by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State.
Ibrahim admitted involvement in the Dec. 24 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, which killed five people and injured 32 others.
He stated that the attacks were orchestrated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.
“I came to Maiduguri with two IEDs to target Izala Mosque, under instructions from our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar,” he told interrogators.
He said the operatives planted the explosives after Zuhur and Asr prayers, timing the detonation for Maghrib prayers when worshippers had gathered.
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
He revealed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network, with payments ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission
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