The Delta State police command says it has launched manhunt on a pastor, and General overseer, Kennedy Ogbedo for his alleged involvement in serial kidnappings in the state.
DSP,Andrew Aniamaka, the police spokesman in the state who confirmed this to DAILY POST in Asaba on Sunday, said “the pastor of the church ‘Christ the King Mission’, Kennedy Ogbedo is wanted for serial kidnappings in the state, and the recent kidnap saga of a wealthy member of his church.”
The church located around Ibori golf course Asaba with branches along Nnebisi road, Asaba, and South East, is at present in disarray
It was gathered that the pastor who also doubles as general overseer, had fled Asaba to an unknown destination, while pastors of the other branches have gone into hiding for fear of police arrest.
DSP Aniamaka further confirmed that a lady friend of the pastor, one Elizabeth Tobechukwu, who had allegedly been linked to connecting “deals” for the pastor, had been arrested, adding that she was being interrogated at the State CID
Investigation revealed that the kidnapped victim, Chief Benjamin Kpurunkun, a wealthy Business man, and a member of the church, was taken to uncompleted building in Okwe axis where he was later moved out to an unknown destination.
Family sources said the kidnappers on the fateful day allegedly shot dead the victim’s house help, one Chinyere Joy before taking him away in a tinted car with no plate number.
According to them, “the whole saga started on May 7,2018, when the family of the victim reported at police “A” Division that Chief Benjamin was kidnapped, and that the kidnappers were demanding N100 million ransom, and recharge cards. The police moved into the case, unfortunately, there was no headway until it was taken over by the state CID.”
It was learnt that through tracking, the police discovered that the pastor’s female friend, a member of the church was involved. Upon her arrest, she confessed to the crime and also allegedly mentioned the pastor.
Further investigation revealed that the pastor who got wind of his female friend’s arrest fled home with his wife and two children to yet an unknown destination.
