A 34-year-old Catholic Church altar server, Taledo Damiel, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the abduction of two priests in Adamawa State for a ₦10 million ransom.
The Nigerian police confirmed on Sunday that Damiel was linked to the kidnapping of Rev. Fathers Matthew David Dusami and Abraham Samman, who serve in the Adamawa and Taraba dioceses, respectively.
Kidnapping and Rescue Operation
The clerics were reportedly abducted two weeks ago at a convent in Gwaida Mallam, located in Numan Local Government Area. Authorities had been investigating the case when Damiel initially evaded arrest at the location where he was meant to collect the ransom.
However, he left behind critical evidence, including a motorcycle, which led police to his inherited apartment, where the abducted priests were found and rescued. Damiel later fled but was eventually tracked and arrested by police operatives.
Police Confirmation and Recovered Evidence
Confirming the arrest, SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, stated that Damiel was taken into custody and the rescued priests have been reunited with their Catholic community.
Nguroje also revealed that a locally made assault rifle was recovered from the crime scene.
“In an effort to ensure the protection of lives and property, the command carried out a coordinated rescue operation at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Mallam, connecting Numan and Demsa LGAs,” Nguroje stated.
He further disclosed that the operation commenced on February 21, 2025, across multiple criminal hideouts in the state. The investigation led to the successful arrest of Tahamado Jonathan Demian, a 34-year-old church member, for his role in the priests’ kidnapping.
No Ransom Paid, Priests Receiving Medical Care
According to Nguroje, the command successfully rescued the two priests unharmed, and no ransom was paid. The victims are currently receiving medical attention.
The Adamawa State Police Commissioner, Dankombo Morris, has reiterated his commitment to eradicating violent crimes in the state. Meanwhile, Damiel remains in custody as police continue their discreet investigation into the case.
