Kidnappers demand N20 million to free Imo catholic priest

Published

6 days ago

March 26, 2025

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Kidnappers of Rev Fr John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, are demanding N20 million as ransom for the release of the clergyman.

Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru on Sunday evening while on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Imo.

His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev Fr Patrick Mbarah on Monday in Owerri, in a statement.

A source from the church, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday in Owerri, said the kidnappers had contacted some persons through whom they first demanded N50 million, before they reduced the amount.

“Most parishioners have been extremely worried about the safety of the priest since Fr John was kidnapped and his abductors are still keeping him up to today being Wednesday,’’ he said.

The source said, though there were conflicting reports on the kidnappers’ demand, nobody is sure if the demand is actually coming from the abductors.

“Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding N50 million, some N20 million and some N10 million, the fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, we keep praying for his safe release.

He also pleaded with the state government and security agencies to intervene and help rescue the priest, because he is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him,’’ he said.

Another parishioner, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, noted with regret that the abductor forced the priest to remove his cassock, forcing him out of his official vehicle before taking him away.

“We got information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock and took him out of his vehicle before they went off.

“Naval personnel at Izombe later recovered the vehicle,’’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the abductor to have a change of heart and release the priest.

20-year-old arrested for raping girl who turned down proposal

Published

1 hour ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

20-year-old arrested for raping girl who turned down proposal

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A 20-year-old man, Tiamiyu Oluwatobi Samuel, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command for allegedly raping a minor.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke.

Adeleke explained that Samuel was nabbed on 26th March, 2025 by operatives of NSCDC for having carnal knowledge of a 12-year-old girl unlawfully in Gbongan, Osun State.

In his confessional statement, Samuel said he had known the victim for three years and had asked her to be his girlfriend, but she rejected his proposal.

The State Commandant of the Corps, Igbalawole Sotiyo said, “On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at about 3:00 pm, the victim was passing in front of the suspect’s house when he called her and dragged her into his room with the help of an accomplice.

“The suspect threatened the victim with a cutlass and had carnal knowledge of her.

“Thereafter, the victim started bleeding, and the suspect threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The accomplice is currently at large but will be apprehended to face the consequences of his actions.

“The suspect has admitted the offence and a medical report confirms that the victim’s hymen was broken.”

“I want to assure members of the public that upon the conclusion of our investigation, the suspect will be charged to court. Parents and guardians are enjoined to be vigilant and keep a close watch on their children and wards.”

Sotiyo also issued a strong warning to those individuals engaging in such heinous act to desist as failure to do so will result in severe consequences.

I have just been arrested by Immigration – Bobrisky cries out as he returns to Nigeria

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1 hour ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Controversial Nigerian crossdresser and socialite, Bobrisky, has been arrested by the Nigerian immigration authorities.

Bobrisky was reportedly arrested on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, upon his return to Nigeria.

Alarming the public about the development, Bobrisky posted on his Instagram story, saying he had just been arrested without being informed of his offense.

“Guys, I have just been arrested by immigration in Nigeria. I don’t know what I did o.”

Ekwutosblog recalls that Bobrisky’s latest arrest comes months after he publicly disclosed that he had left the country to focus on his well-being.

Senator Natasha Defies Ban, Holds Sallah Rally in Kogi

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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NATASHA NA MAN
UNSTOPPABLE…
HOPE OUR LEADERS CAN SEE A PEACEFUL RESISTANCE IS BREWING…
“Senator Natasha Defies Ban, Holds Sallah Rally in Kogi

Despite a curfew and a ban on political gatherings in Kogi State, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has proceeded with her planned Sallah rally, arriving at the venue by helicopter.

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government, Amoka Monday, had imposed a curfew across the council area, citing security concerns, while the Kogi State Police Command had warned against the event, stating that intelligence reports indicated a risk of violence.

The police had urged the senator to cancel the rally, emphasizing that the ban on public gatherings was necessary to maintain peace. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her event was a mere homecoming to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.”

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