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Pastor Fakes Own Kidnap, Demands N10 Million Ransom From Family Members

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4 years ago

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On­yekachukwu, who was arrested by the Force Intelligence Response Team, led by Abba Kyari, was reported missing on June 16, 2021, by his brother, identified as Prosper.

The police have apprehended Pastor Richard On­yekachukwu for allegedly faking his kidnap.

On­yekachukwu, who was arrested by the Force Intelligence Response Team, led by Abba Kyari, was reported missing on June 16, 2021, by his brother, identified as Prosper.

Proper claimed the pastor had been kidnapped and that the perpetrators had already opened a phone line conversa­tion with them, demanding a huge amount of money before he could be set free.

In the course of the investigation, the IGP team visited the house of the victim and met his wife, who looked unperturbed as if noth­ing sinister happened to her or her husband.

At that point, the operatives deceived her by telling her af­ter introducing themselves as policemen that they were on an investigative mission in an al­leged case of armed robbery against her husband, a police source said.

It was revealed that, at that point, the lady shouted in be­wilderment and told the police that her husband was not an armed robber but had traveled to Taraba state, adding that he went for a business trip.

She further told the opera­tives that she saw her husband about a week ago but that his family members thought he had been in captivity at the kidnappers’ camp for three weeks.

At this point, she was arrest­ed for further interrogation. At the station, she confessed that the entire saga was a planned and orchestrated self-kidnap.

She confessed that her hus­band brought the idea and that she played along.

According to her confes­sions, her husband had finan­cial challenges.
She said that he was look­ing for a way to raise money to pay off the loans he collected.

“He wanted to collect the money and pay up his debt,” she told the police, adding that her husband was due to visit the house.

Armed with all this infor­mation, the police laid an am­bush for which led to his arrest the next day, being June 18.

Following his arrest, Pastor Richard made a confessional statement that also led the po­lice to arrest his friend, Enoch.

According to the police, Enoch posed as one of the kid­nappers, who was assigned the responsibility of asking for the ransom money.

Onyekachukwu said, “I am from Idemili South Local Government Area. I am the second child in a family of seven. I am a pastor and contractor. I had a big church, but the roof was blown away by the wind. The name of my church is Resurrection Pow­er Church. I took some loans to assist the businesses that I was doing to support the min­istry. It was about N600,000:00.

“Due to this, I found myself in financial challenges. At the same time, paying the loan became difficult. I made some losses in my poultry business and the COVID-19 pandemic did not help matters.

“The banks were after me and I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking of getting money from my younger brother, Prosper, a rich civil servant, to offset the loan be­fore I was dragged to court. It wasn’t easy; that was why the thought of self-kidnap came to me. I don’t know why I decided to use that strategy.

“I called my friend Enoch and shared my thoughts with him. Enoch is also a pastor. Ini­tially he did not accept, but af­ter some time, he agreed. I told him that even if it is N1,000, 000 or N500,000, I will be satisfied.”

On why he requested that his brother, Prosper must bring the ransom personally, Richard said, “I have no par­ticular reason to ask that my brother, Prosper should bring the money. I never even thought of that as an issue. This is something I thought would end within the family. I planned to inform him after some time.

“I demanded N10million, and they bargained to N5 mil­lion and finally N2million. We were still waiting to hear from him when police arrested me at home.”

Mary Onyeka­chukwu, the wife said, “We live in Maraba, Nasar­awa State. I am a petty trader. My husband told me that he would be travelling on a busi­ness trip on May 20. After some days we could not reach him again. I called his brothers and explained to them. They said I should relax,  that he will come. It took about three days before someone called to say that my husband had been kidnapped and they were demanding N10million. After a week, he came back.

“I met him as a pastor and I was taught to be submissive. I was just submissive; it is not about love but obeying the word of God. I don’t have any words to justify myself. I am finding it difficult to forgive myself.”

Culled from the Sahara Reporters

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Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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2 months ago

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July 30, 2025

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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4 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

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4 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

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