The abduction and murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State presents a disturbing case of betrayal and premeditated murder.
Days after news broke that the cleric was abducted and later killed by gunmen in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has uncovered the identity of the prime suspect.
The gory development was orchestrated by someone the victim trusted.
On March 25, 2025, Nigerian security forces arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.
The primary suspect, Douglas Henry, was a 42-year-old longtime resident in Father Okechukwu’s church quarters.
Henry and his biological family, it is said, have been beneficiaries of the priest’s benevolence for over a decade.
The second suspect, Pate Yau, a 33-year-old from Warsa-Piti village in Lere Local Government Area, allegedly carried out the physical act of kidnapping and murder.
The crime occurred in the early hours of March 22, when witnesses reported suspicious activity near the priest’s residence.
Father Okechukwu was forcibly taken from his bedroom, and his body was discovered two days later in an abandoned farmhouse in Kaura Local Government Area.
The swift action of troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN led to the arrest of both suspects within four days of the crime.
Investigators uncovered compelling evidence through phone records and financial transactions.
Records showed 17 calls between Henry and Yau in the three days before the abduction.
More significantly, authorities traced a ₦2.3 million transfer from Henry to Yau’s mobile wallet, suggesting payment for the crime.
During interrogation, Yau confessed and led security forces to the murder weapon – a locally-made pistol buried near a stream.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that investigators are pursuing three possible motives. First, financial gain appears likely, as Father Okechukwu had recently inherited family land valued at ₦85 million.
Second, investigators are examining a personal vendetta, as Henry had been reprimanded for stealing church funds.
Third, authorities are probing potential religious tensions due to Yau’s connection to a Ruga settlement.
The Kaduna State Police Commissioner described the crime as “a premeditated act” where the suspects “exploited the victim’s trust.”
The Catholic Diocese emphasized Father Okechukwu’s peaceful nature and called for swift justice.
Key events unfolded rapidly:
– March 22: The abduction was reported
– March 23: The body was discovered
– March 24: Yau was arrested in Lere
– March 25: Henry was apprehended in Kaura
– March 26: An autopsy confirmed gunshot wounds as the cause of death
The investigation continues, with forensic teams analyzing DNA evidence and security forces searching for possible accomplices.
The case will be transferred to court for prosecution.