The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, has arrested a member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, a lecturer with Anchor University, Ipaja, Lagos, Chidi Ogbuehi.
The suspect was arrested for standing as a surety to a member of Mountain of Fire Ministry, MFM, Solomon Ogbuehi, who absconded while on holy Pilgrimage in Israel.
In a statement in Abuja, a spokesperson for the commission, Celestine Toruka, said that Solomon Ogbuehi, who was part of the Lagos State contingent absconded in July.
According to Mr Toruka, his guarantor, Chidi Ogbuehi, was arrested based on a signed documents attesting to the pilgrim’s character.
“And specified in writing and duly sign that he or she would take full responsibility in the event that the pilgrim absconds in the Holy Land.”
Mr Toruka, stated that the guarantor had claimed to be an official of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and a lecturer with Anchor University, Ipaja, Lagos.
“He was arrested by the law enforcement agents on 1st August 2022, for aiding his brother, Solomon Ogbuehi, to abscond in Israel during pilgrimage exercise, having committed himself by attestation and accepting full responsibility,” Mr Toruka said.
The NCPC further stated that the absconder travelled to Israel as a self-sponsored pilgrim and claimed to be an evangelist with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry.
“On the expiration of his pilgrimage exercise, Mr. Solomon Ogbuehi could not return to the country, having absconded in Israel.
“His guarantor, Mr. Chidi Ogbuehi, failed to produce him based on the fact that he was the one who guaranteed him and promised to be held responsible for the pilgrim’s action.
“NCPC will leave no stone unturned to make sure that Mr Chidi Ogbuehi pays for aiding his brother to abscond during the pilgrimage.
“Except he produces him, this would serve as a deterrent to other would-be guarantors and potential absconders,” he added.
