Renowned Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Fada Ebube Muonso, has confirmed the arrest of six kidnappers responsible for abducting his colleague, Rev. Fr. Nonso, in December 2024.
Fr. Nonso, a Catholic priest studying in the United States, was kidnapped while on vacation in Anambra State after stopping at a filling station to refuel his vehicle. His abduction sparked widespread outrage, with Ebube Muonso leading calls for his release.
Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, January 28, 2025, Ebube Muonso expressed joy over the kidnappers’ arrest, recalling how they had mocked him during negotiations.
“I had told you people I spoke with them (kidnappers) and ordered them to release the priest, but they told me I was joking,” he said. “They even told me they see me every day and have just been resisting the temptation to kidnap me.”
The fiery priest revealed that even after sending ransom money for Fr. Nonso’s release, he had warned the kidnappers that their days were numbered. “I told them it wouldn’t be long before they are apprehended, and they sarcastically responded with ‘Iseee’ (Igbo for Amen). Today, they have been caught, and you need to see how they are begging,” he added.
Fr. Nonso was eventually freed on Christmas Eve after external intervention reportedly helped track his location. However, Ebube Muonso criticized the Anambra State government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, lamenting the poor security situation in the state. He claimed that security operatives initially refused to act on intelligence until they were tipped with N1 million.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show the arrested kidnappers, but as of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the arrests.
The incident has reignited concerns about insecurity in Anambra, particularly the rising cases of kidnappings targeting residents and visitors.
