The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in a statement issued said James Clement, a man said to have kidnapped himself for N5 million ransom, is not a pastor.
Clement was arrested alongside one George Otokpa, his alleged accomplice on Wednesday, for such serious crime of staging his own kidnap.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Joseph Hayab, CAN chairman in Kaduna state, said preliminary checks have revealed that the suspect is not a pastor. Hayab said anyone who has dealings with kidnappers should be prosecuted.
“Any pastor or Christian who fakes his kidnap or is confirmed to have any dirty business to do with kidnappers should be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
“Kidnappers have caused us pain and sorrow and our faith and association will not support or defend evil. James Clement who was arrested with his collaborator for faking his kidnap is not a pastor in any church.
“Some of them are road side artisans who are claiming to be clergy when their businesses are not moving well. How can a true pastor plan to defraud his family by faking his kidnap?
“This is unChristian and no culture in our dear country supports such evil behaviour. We hope and pray they will go after more bad eggs in our community and arrest them. This will help to sanitise the community and separate good from evil.” Joseph Hayab concluded.