April 23, (THEWILL) – The renowned cleric and President of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle Dr John Okoriko, who was recently kidnapped by unknown gunmen, has regained his freedom after spending four days in the kidnappers den.
Okoriko was kidnapped in his house within the Church premises at Ibekwe Akpan Nya in Mkpat Enin local government area on Tuesday, to an unknown destination, even as N100m ransom was demanded for his release.
THEWILL gathered that the following day, the kidnappers used Okoriko driver’s mobile phone, which was snatched during the operations to communicate with the family demanding N100m ransom to secure his freedom.
The ransom was, however, reduced to N30m on Thursday and was futher slashed to N10m on Friday afternoon.
However, it is not clear whether the amount was paid before the cleric was released, but reports has it that when the tension was still high as the family could not raise the negotiated amount for the hoodlums, Okoriko sauntered in amidst jubilation among the church and family members.
It was gathered that the kidnappers were not comfortable keeping the Church Founder in their custody because of social media and newspaper reports, which caused them to facilitate the pastor’s freedom as it had drawn attention of government and security Agencies.
Meanwhile, the Pastor has reunited with his family members as the first son, Levi Okoriko, expressed his excitement on his Facebook page.
“Our Lion has come out stronger than before. He will continue to roar with the new strength”, Levi had posted.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Akwa Ibom, Odiko Mcdon, who confirmed the release on a phone conversation, did not mention payment of any ransom, but simply said that the man of God had reunited with his family.
