The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has arrested the guarantor of one Solomon Ogbuehi, who absconded while on pilgrimage in Israel.
Celestine Toruka, a spokesperson for the commission, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that Mr Ogbuehi was part of the Lagos State contingent when he absconded in July.
Mr Toruka said the guarantor, Chidi Ogbuehi, was arrested based on a signed document attesting to the pilgrim’s character.
“And specify in writing and duly sign that he or she would take full responsibility in the event that the pilgrim absconds in the Holy Land.”
He said the guarantor had claimed to be an official of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria 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 by accepting full responsibility,” Mr Toruka said.
According to the NCPC spokesman, the abscondee 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.
NAN