ABUJA — The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) 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 prepared for the operation.
The intended victim, identified as Prophetess Elizabeth, an assistant pastor and long-time member of her church, became a target after she testified publicly about her personal achievements and business success.
According to investigators, details shared during the testimony allegedly prompted some members of the congregation to plan her abduction.
IRT Commander DCP Adamu Muazu described the case as particularly disturbing because some of the suspects were fellow church members. One suspect, David Obaje, had worked as Elizabeth’s driver for about three months and had been a church member for approximately four years, giving him detailed knowledge of her movements and routine. Another, David Dennis, had belonged to the church for about six years and served as a bodyguard to the senior pastor.
Police said the suspects used a WhatsApp group to coordinate the plot and arranged for another person to be brought from Kogi State to participate. Their plan was to strike after an evening church service on October 1.
They allegedly intended to use a vehicle to block or deliberately hit Elizabeth’s car, staging what would appear to be a road accident to force her to stop. Once stopped, they planned to overpower her and take her to a predetermined location.
During the investigation, operatives recovered the vehicle acquired for the operation, a security uniform obtained as part of the preparations, and a locally fabricated AK-47. Suspects told investigators the firearm was purchased from a vigilante group for ₦120,000.
The planned abduction was disrupted after the IRT received intelligence about the conspiracy and moved in to arrest the suspects before it could be carried out. The four have been paraded and are expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded. Police said further inquiries are ongoing to determine the full extent of the plot and identify any other persons who may have been involved.
Speaking at the parade, DCP Muazu issued a strong public warning. He urged Nigerians, particularly worshippers, to exercise caution when disclosing sensitive personal information in public settings. “Stop giving testimony of what you have achieved in life in church,” the commander effectively cautioned, noting that not everyone present is well-intentioned and that such details can expose people to the risk of being killed, robbed or kidnapped.
He also called on churches to strengthen security around their premises, especially during evening services, through better lighting, controlled access and closer monitoring of people and vehicles leaving the grounds.
The IRT simultaneously paraded suspects linked to a separate highway robbery case. DCP Muazu assured the public that the unit would continue intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal networks and prevent violent crimes. He appealed to citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that timely information remains critical to saving lives.
The case has drawn widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians sharing the IRT commander’s warning as a cautionary message about privacy and personal security in places of worship and other public gatherings.
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