In a dramatic and unexpected twist, kidnappers in Kaduna State have released a young cleric, Pastor Samson Ali, but detained the man who delivered the ransom, Yusuf Shehu Ambi.
Pastor Ali, a 30-year-old minister with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), was abducted from his residence in Mararaba Aboro, Sanga Local Government Area, on April 8, 2025—just two weeks after he was posted to the church.
Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of N100 million, though the final amount paid remains undisclosed.
According to sources familiar with the case, a combined security operation involving the Nigerian Army, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) was launched in a bid to secure his freedom.
Following negotiations, the kidnappers eventually released Pastor Ali—but in a shocking development, they held back Ambi, the individual who delivered the ransom, and are now demanding further payments or concessions for his release.
“They let the pastor go, but kept Yusuf Shehu Ambi, asking for more money or other conditions to be met,” a source closely monitoring the situation revealed.
The incident has sparked widespread concern online, as citizens lament the worsening security situation in Kaduna and the growing boldness of kidnappers.
“This is heartbreaking. Kidnapping has turned into a booming business. The government must act decisively,” one worried citizen posted.
So far, the Kaduna State Police Command has not confirmed the incident. Repeated attempts to reach the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
Sources, however, say that investigations are ongoing, with security agencies working to secure Ambi’s safe release and bring the kidnappers to justice.
Meanwhile, the ECWA community has expressed both relief and concern—thankful for Pastor Ali’s freedom, but deeply worried about Ambi.
“We’re grateful Pastor Ali is back safely, but we’re very concerned about Yusuf Shehu Ambi. We’re praying for his quick and safe return,” said a church official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
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