Father Ebube Muonso Alleges Police Demanded N1m for Logistics Before Rescuing Abducted Priest

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, widely known as Father Ebube Muonso, has decried the dire state of security in Anambra State following the abduction and eventual release of his fellow priest, identified as Rev. Fr. Nonso....CONTINUE READING>>>

Fr. Nonso was reportedly kidnapped on December 17, shortly after returning from overseas studies for the Christmas holiday. He was held captive for a week in a forest by his abductors.

During a service where Fr. Nonso was presented to the congregation, Fr. Obimma recounted the ordeal, expressing his frustrations with the authorities. “For a week, Father Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers, and the government was unable to act. I had to take matters into my own hands,” he lamented.

Obimma explained how he sought assistance from another state to track the kidnappers using advanced technology. Despite sharing the location of the abductors with local security personnel, their response was disheartening. “They asked me what I expected them to do with the information and stated they don’t enter forests,” he said.

Determined to rescue his colleague, Obimma planned to lead the operation himself, calling on members of his security team to arm themselves. His resolve prompted the police to intervene but not without demanding N1 million for logistics. “In a state with a governor receiving security votes, it is individuals funding security,” he criticized.

Obimma also revealed his discussion with former Governor Willie Obiano, who confirmed that functional tracking devices acquired during his tenure were still available. However, their apparent underutilization highlighted the lack of effective security measures in the state.

What puzzled the priest further was that the kidnappers did not even bother to switch off or discard Fr. Nonso’s phone during the ordeal, seemingly confident that local security forces would not act.

Eventually, Fr. Nonso was rescued along with a businessman abducted by the same gang on the same day but from a different location.

During the emotional reunion with his congregation, Fr. Nonso leaned on Obimma, overwhelmed with tears, as the congregation celebrated his safe return.

Father Obimma concluded his account with a prayer, urging divine protection for the people amidst the alarming insecurity in Anambra State.