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Why I kidnapped Catholic Priest – Suspect

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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.

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His body was found the next day, March 5.

While the suspect admitted to planning the abduction, he denied ordering the priest’s murder.

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“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.

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READ ALSO: 2 Men To Die By Hanging For Armed Robbery In Ekiti

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.

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On Wednesday, The PUNCH 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.

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Wife Seeks End To 29-yr-old Marriage ‘Cos Of Lack Of Love

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An Ilorin Area Court in Kwara State, has declined to dissolve a 29-year-old marriage, advising the husband, Mr Olufemi Morenikeji, to seek an amicable resolution of the dispute with his wife.

The wife, Mrs Rebecca Morenikeji, had filed for divorce on the grounds of lack of love in their marriage.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), she told the court she was no longer in love with her husband and sought custody of their two children, aged 23 and 20, along with ₦30,000 monthly maintenance.

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“I am no longer interested in our marriage. I am tired and want my two children to be with me,” she said.

READ ALSO:My Husband Shows His Other Wives More Affection, Woman Tells Court

Olufemi, however, pleaded with the court not to grant divorce, saying, “I don’t want divorce.”

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The presiding judge, Toyin Aluko advised the husband to work toward an amicable settlement and report back to the court.

He then adjourned the case.

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Four Suspected Robbers Killed In Gunfight With Police In Delta

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Four suspected robbers have been shot dead in a gun duel with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command.

This was contained in a signed statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Friday.

The statement noted that, based on credible intelligence on November 19, 2025, operatives of the CP-SAT, at about 8:30 pm, stormed a criminal hideout at the outskirts of Panama Layout, Ughelli, identified as the base of a violent syndicate responsible for multiple heinous crimes in Ughelli North LGA.

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“Four suspects were arrested, namely, Peter Ejenekevwe (31), a.k.a. Calamity (gang leader); Clever David (35); Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu (29); and Onome Collins (32).

READ ALSO:Imo Police To Arraign Five Men For Alleged Brutalisation Of Married Woman

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the robbery and murder of one Anthony Igoroko Omowho at Ekredjebor on 11 November 2025, admitting to robbing him and his wife, trailing him to Saint Nicholas Hospital, and stabbing him to death after robbing nurses on duty.

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“They also confessed to robbing a POS operator and her husband the same day, inflicting injuries and raping the victim’s 18-year-old sister-in-law.”

The Police spokesman stated that preliminary investigation led the operatives to further advance into the bush, where the following items were recovered: two locally made long guns, 23 live cartridges, three locally made short guns, and two Lexus 350 jeep keys, which led to the recovery of the victim’s vehicle (Reg. No. KUJ 788 DR).

The police statement read in part, “While withdrawing from the bush, the operatives were ambushed by suspected gang members but repelled the attack with superior firepower.

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READ ALSO:No Policeman Should Search Your Phone On The Road – Lagos CP

“During the exchange, the four suspects were struck by bullets fired by the fleeing hoodlums and were confirmed dead at General Hospital, Ughelli.

“Unfortunately, a police officer got injured in the encounter and is receiving treatment.”

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Meanwhile, the corpses of the suspects have been deposited in the morgue, and the investigation is still ongoing, the PPRO affirmed.

In another development, on 18 November 2025, at about 16:00 hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Agbarho Division, received a report that at about 03:00 hrs the same day, five armed men forcefully broke into a residence in Uvwiama New Layout, Agbarho Community, while the occupant was asleep.

READ ALSO:Police Arrest Suspected Organ Harvester, Rescue Four Victims

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“Two of the suspects allegedly entered the bedroom, while three others stood guard outside. The armed suspects reportedly fired shots through the window after sighting the occupant holding a machete in self-defence. A 43-inch Hisense television and other electronics were damaged during the attack.

“Upon receiving the report, the DPO, Agbarho Division, CSP Pius Eredei, immediately deployed operatives and coordinated a rapid response, working in synergy with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). Through sustained search efforts within the area, the team succeeded in arresting Victor Peculiar ‘m’, aged 19, identified as a key suspect in the attack, and a locally fabricated double-barrelled short gun was also recovered during follow-up investigation. The suspect is in custody and has made useful statements. Preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has described the breakthroughs as “a clear demonstration of the Command’s enhanced operational capability and its zero-tolerance stance towards violent criminal elements.”

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The CP urged residents to “remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police”, assuring that all reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

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Why I Cheated On My Husband — Wife

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…Give us another chance to reconcile, husband begs court

An Upper Customary Court sitting in Daura Road, Kaduna State, has dissolved the union between a woman, Tabitha Iliya and her husband, Iliya Yaran over irreconcilable difference.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),the judge, Patience Musa made the ruling after all avenues for reconciliation between the couple were exhausted and also the petitioner’s clear statement of not wanting their marriage.

READ ALSO:My Husband Is Not Loving, Dissolve Our 9 Months Wedlock, Woman Tells Court

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Earlier, the defendant had asked the court for time to attempt a second reconciliation with his wife, citing their six children as his motivation for saving their marriage.

The complainant, however, stated that their marriage, contracted in 2000 under Mada customs, was ending due to lack of financial support, assault, and threats.

She told the court that lack of care and provision by her husband pushed her to cheat when her daughter was sick and needed medical attention.

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