A suspect arrested in connection with the deadly attack on the convoy of Nigerian televangelist Apostle Johnson Suleman has made shocking revelations, stating that they were paid a staggering N50 million to assassinate the revered cleric. The founder of Omega Fire Ministry, Mr. Suleman, was targeted in Edo State in October 2022. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old plumber Yusuf Isa, shared operational details of his gang’s tactics and their attempts to avoid capture by law enforcement agencies.
Operational Tactics and Gang’s Motive:
During a recorded interview posted on Twitter, Yusuf Isa disclosed that his eight-member gang used encrypted messaging app Telegram for communication, relying on usernames instead of phone numbers to avoid detection. He emphasized that their choice of an unregistered phone line and anonymous identities helped them evade the authorities. While Isa admitted to being part of the attack, he claimed not to know the person who orchestrated it. However, he revealed that his accomplices informed him they were paid N50 million to carry out the assassination attempt on the cleric.
Regret and Arrest:
Expressing remorse, Yusuf Isa expressed a desire to personally seek forgiveness from Apostle Johnson Suleman, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. He admitted that life had been turbulent for his gang members since the attack, with two leaders losing their lives. Isa, who is now in custody, shared that four other gang members remained at large, with three suspected to be in Abuja and one in Ekiti State.
Details of the Attack:
The assault on Apostle Johnson Suleman’s convoy, which occurred in the Auchi area of Edo State, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including three police officers. The incident transpired while the televangelist was en route to an undisclosed destination after returning from Tanzania. Describing the attack as an “assassination attempt,” Mr. Suleman had previously voiced concerns over his safety.
Criminal Syndicate and Previous Clergy Attacks:
Yusuf Isa’s arrest exposed a larger criminal syndicate involved in high-profile kidnappings and killings within Edo State and its surroundings. The group had reportedly carried out four kidnappings between 2021 and 2023 before being apprehended by the police. This incident highlights the broader issue of attacks targeting clerics in the state. Previously, Catholic priests Charles Igechi, Christopher Odia, Udo Peter, Philemon Oboh, and Italian priest Luigi Brena have fallen victim to gunmen, either being abducted or fatally attacked.
The arrest of Yusuf Isa sheds light on the shocking financial motivation behind the attack on Apostle Johnson Suleman’s convoy. As investigations continue, authorities aim to apprehend the remaining gang members responsible for the assault. The incident also raises concerns about the security of clergy members in Edo State, as several high-profile attacks have occurred in recent years.
Source: Premium Times
