In a twist of fate, a 30-year-old cleric with the Evangelical Church Winning All, Pastor Samson Ali, who was abducted by gunmen in Kaduna State, has regained his freedom — but the man who delivered the ransom for his release is now in captivity.
Ali, who had only recently been posted to the ECWA church in Mararaba Aboro, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was kidnapped from his residence on April 8, 2025.
The kidnappers had initially demanded N100m for his release before settling for an undisclosed amount.
While negotiations were ongoing, a combined team of security operatives, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, the police, and the Department of State Services, was reportedly mobilised to secure his release.
However, sources revealed that after an agreement was reached and the ransom delivered, the kidnappers unexpectedly held onto the ransom bearer, identified as Yusuf Shehu Ambi, instead of releasing both men.
“The kidnappers released Pastor Ali, but detained the ransom bearer, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, demanding more money or other concessions for his release,” a source familiar with the negotiations said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to confirm the development. Calls and messages sent to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, went unanswered.
The development has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Kaduna and the North-West region in general.
“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria, and it’s high time the government took decisive action to address this menace,” one user wrote.
Within the ECWA community, mixed feelings of relief and concern trailed the incident. While members expressed gratitude for the release of Pastor Ali, they remained anxious about Ambi’s safety.
“We are grateful that Pastor Ali has been released, but we are worried about the detention of our brother, Yusuf Shehu Ambi,” a church official who pleaded anonymity said.
Security sources say efforts are ongoing to track the kidnappers and secure Ambi’s release.
The latest incident underscores the increasing audacity of kidnappers, who now not only demand hefty ransoms but also manipulate negotiations for further gains, leaving families and communities in distress.
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