Pastor's wife who faked own kidnap arrested

PIC: Mariam Kusubira was arrested on Monday and taken into Police custody. (Credit: Kampala Metropolitan Police)

CRIME

KAMPALA - A wife of a pastor has been arrested by Police in Kampala over faking her own kidnap.

Mariam Kusubira's 'kidnappers' had demanded a ransom of sh50m.

She had allegedly gone to buy land in Kawuku, Entebbe  road, where she was reportedly taken captive.

Following her arrest, Police is calling it a case of elopement.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire told New Vision on phone Tuesday morning that Mariam is said to have eloped with another man.

She is the wife of Pastor Shadrack Kusubira of Noah's Ark Church in Namasuba, Kampala.

Owoyesigire said Mariam was arrested by Katwe Police in Kikajo, Namasuba about 7pm local time Monday. He said she was found at her daughter's place.

Meanwhile, the news of her alleged kidnap a couple of days ago sparked off a series of efforts to secure her release.

On Saturday, a group of about 400 pastors of the Makindye-Ssabagabo Division Pastors Fellowship and Association met at Life Church in Namasuba and they drew action points as regards the matter.

Pastor Kusubira belongs to that association.

One of the action points was to appoint a person (Pastor Tompson Byamugisha), who would establish communication with the said kidnappers, the Police and the pastors.

They also appointed a one Pastor Ssemambo, charged with co-ordinating the entire investigation. He would be in touch with other top security personnel besides the Police.

The pastors also resolved to maintain communication with the said kidnappers and the 'victim's' family as well as start soliciting for the sh50m ransom.

Little did they know it was all a sham.

Mariam remains in custody at Katwe Police Station in Kampala.