Adamawa State police have arrested a 34-year-old Catholic altar server, Taledo Damiel, for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of two priests and demanding a ₦10 million ransom.
The police confirmed Damiel’s arrest in a statement on Sunday, revealing that he was behind the abduction of Rev. Fathers Matthew David Dusami and Abraham Samman. The priests, who serve in the Catholic dioceses of Adamawa and Taraba, were kidnapped two weeks ago at a convent in Gwaida Mallam, Numan Local Government Area.
Priests Rescued, Altar Server Leaves Behind Key Evidence
According to the police, Damiel initially managed to escape arrest when he went to collect the ransom money. However, he left behind crucial evidence, including a motorcycle, which led officers to his inherited apartment. The police later tracked him down and arrested him, while the two abducted priests were found and rescued unharmed.
Adamawa State Police Command spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the development, saying, “The suspect was apprehended and is now in custody for further investigation. The rescued priests have been reunited with their Catholic family.”
Nguroje also stated that a locally made assault rifle was recovered at the crime scene.
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Police Launched a Coordinated Operation
The police explained that the rescue operation was part of a larger effort to combat crime in Adamawa. Officers conducted raids on criminal hideouts in various parts of the state, including Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas.
Nguroje said, “These rescue operations commenced from February 21, 2025, in various criminal hideouts within the state and yielded positive results. Our planned operation successfully rescued the two reverend fathers unhurt, and no ransom was paid.”
Police Commissioner Vows to End Violent Crimes
Nguroje further assured the public that the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, remains committed to making the state safe.
“The commissioner has reaffirmed the commitment of the command to ridding the state of violent crimes,” he said.
The arrest of Damiel has shocked many in the Catholic community, as he was a trusted altar server. Investigations are still ongoing, and police have vowed to bring all those involved in the crime to justice.