Kidnapped RCCG pastor regains freedom

YENAGOA—The kidnapped pastor of Redeemed Christian Church, RCCG, New Anointing Chapel, Yenagoa, Pastor Mark Christmas, has been released after 20 days in captivity.

Pastor Christmas was abducted on October 19 alongside two others, in his home town of Biseingbene, a riverine community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Christmas, who spoke with newsmen in Yenagoa yesterday, described his release as miraculous, stressing that no ransom was paid.

He said: “I was released on November 5 after spending three weeks in the den of the abductors; it was an awkward experience.

“I was kidnapped on October 19 in my home town, Biseingbene, with two other people from my community; among them were the community Chairman, Mr. Amos Ezetu, and Mr. ThankGod Geregere. It was a horrible experience.

“On the way to their den, our boat capsized. I was able to swim to safety and tried to escape, but was recaptured and beaten up mercilessly.

“However, I am happy to be free and can be with my family once again.”

Kidnapped RCCG pastor regains freedom

Breaking: Diepreye Alamieyeseigha is dead

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, is dead.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Esueme Dan-Kikili, confirmed to Channels Television that the former governor died of cardiac arrest on Saturday.

Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Photo credit: Punch

He reportedly slipped into a coma two days ago and was placed on life support.

There were reports during the week that the British Government was determined to resurrect an outstanding case of money laundering against the former governor and had requested for his extradition to London.

Alamieyeseigha, who was facing money laundering charges, jumped bail and returned to Nigeria and has since then refused to answer summons for trial to continue.

According to his Wikipedia page, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was born on November 16, 1952 in Amassoma, Ogboin North Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

He attended the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974, then joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply.

He held various air force positions in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja. Alamieyeseigha retired from the air force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader.

After leaving the air force he became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt. Later he became Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached on allegations of corruption on 9 December 2005.

Breaking: Diepreye Alamieyeseigha is dead