Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap a female cleric in Abuja and arrested four suspects, including the woman’s driver and a bodyguard attached to her church’s senior pastor.
The intended victim, identified as Prophetess Elizabeth, is an assistant pastor in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Police said the alleged conspiracy was uncovered through intelligence gathering before the planned abduction could be carried out.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Adamu Muazu, disclosed the development while parading the suspects on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
According to the police, the alleged plot began after Elizabeth reportedly gave a testimony during a church service, speaking about her personal achievements and business success. Investigators suspect that some members of the congregation subsequently began planning to abduct her.
One of the suspects, identified as David Obaje, reportedly worked as Elizabeth’s driver for about three months and had attended the same church for approximately four years. Another suspect, David Dennis, was said to have been a member of the church for about six years and worked as a bodyguard to the senior pastor.
Police alleged that the suspects used a WhatsApp group to coordinate their plans and arranged for another person to travel from Kogi State to participate in the operation.
According to Muazu, the suspects allegedly planned to attack Elizabeth after an evening church service on October 1. Their reported plan involved using a vehicle to block or deliberately hit her car, creating the appearance of a road accident and forcing her to stop.
The police said the suspects intended to overpower her and take her to a predetermined location where she would be held.
Investigators reportedly recovered a vehicle allegedly acquired for the operation, a security uniform and a locally fabricated firearm. According to the police, the suspects claimed the weapon had been purchased from a vigilante group for ₦120,000.
Following the arrests, Muazu urged church leaders to strengthen security around their premises, particularly those located in isolated areas or hosting evening services. He advised religious institutions to improve lighting, monitor access points and pay attention to the safety of worshippers travelling home after services.
He also cautioned members of the public against unnecessarily disclosing sensitive information about their finances, businesses, properties and movements in public gatherings.
The police said investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances of the alleged conspiracy and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
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