By: Tom Okpe, Abuja.

The killing of Joseph Ibori Adugo, a church worker and assistant pastor, has continued to generate concern in the Yanyan area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as police investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Joseph was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the late hours of June 27, 2022. Residents said the attackers, described as masked men, struck at night and fled immediately after gunshots were heard.

Neighbours disclosed that shortly after the sound of gunfire, the deceased was found lying on the ground with fatal injuries. He was confirmed dead before medical assistance could arrive.

The deceased was a member of God’s Favour Church, located along the Nyanyan axis of Abuja. The church was founded by Gabriel Oni and is currently pastored by Dennis Deniran.

Community sources said Joseph had earlier returned to Abuja from Gombe State with a woman identified as Yekeen Adejoke Nofeesat.

The woman was said to have come from the Gombe Central Tunduwada Kasuamata area of Gombe State, where Joseph reportedly served as an assistant pastor.

Findings revealed that the Pentecostal church in Gombe State where the two were said to have known each other is The Chapel, located within the Federal College of Education, Gombe State.

Sources alleged that Nofeesat, described as a Muslim and married woman, left Gombe State with Joseph in December 2021 without the consent of her husband, Muhammad Abdullahi. It was further alleged that she later converted to Christianity and continued living with Joseph in Abuja.

Further investigations indicated that Abdullahi, described by sources as a political influencer and philanthropist, allegedly issued threats following the reported elopement.

Police authorities in Abuja confirmed that Nofeesat was invited for questioning and subsequently released, noting that she was not being treated as a suspect. Investigations are ongoing.

While residents have speculated on possible motives, police have not established or confirmed any link between the killing and the alleged personal circumstances surrounding the deceased.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been made.