by Mark Bassey

According to PM News, two domestic staff attempted to poison Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the founder of Trinity House Church and kidnap his wife, Ibidun.

A dog handler, a security guard and a native doctor have reportedly been arrested in connection with the plot.

The plan was in full swing until the couple’s dog died from food poisoning. The Ighodalos suspected foul play and called in a doctor to investigate the death when the cause was confirmed.

During interrogation, the dog handler (Mohammed) allegedly told the Police that he mixed poisonous substance given to him by a herbalist with the dog’s food.

Mohammed added: “The security man in our estate, Eze, brought the information that if we poison my boss to death, kidnap his wife and demand for N80 million ransom we would be rich overnight. And to actualise our mission, I went to consult a native doctor, Ewuosi for help.

“And after explaining my mission to the native doctor, he gave me poisonous black powder, black soap and sponge with a directive that I must use the powder to poison my master’s dog to know the effectiveness of the poison and if it vomits and dies, I should use it to poison anybody.

“After the dog died, we were still planning how to use the poison on my boss and kidnap his wife for ransom before I was arrested. But I don’t know how the devil used me to plan such evil against my employers because they were taking good care of me. I pray to God to forgive me.”

Chidi Okoye, who is the prosecutor for the case, revealed more details to Leadership Nigeria Newspaper.

He claims the first defendant had sexual fantasies towards Mrs. Ighodalo and planned to kill both her husband and the dog, so she could transfer the affection she has for her husband to him.

The defendants were later apprehended after Mrs. Ighodalo said she “prayed and the Holy Spirit revealed” to her that all was not well.

They are currently being held at Ikoyi Prisons.

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.