Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Law enforcement authorities in Ondo State have arrested six individuals suspected of operating a fraudulent “miracle” scheme by posing as religious pastors and staging fake spiritual interventions to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, according to official statements from the state police command. The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation that targeted a suspected syndicate in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, all male, were identified by the police as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola. They were apprehended in Idanre town during a coordinated raid carried out by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command’s Tactical Teams working in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs) after credible information was received about their activities.
According to the police, the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders in order to gain the trust and confidence of community members. They allegedly conducted staged “miracles” and purported spiritual interventions, promising victims solutions to personal challenges such as financial problems, health issues and other difficulties. These promises were used as a pretext to solicit money and valuables from individuals, the police said.
The police described the syndicate as operating in a structured and coordinated manner, with members assigned specific roles to present a convincing façade of legitimacy as religious figures. Preliminary investigations suggest that the group exploited the faith and emotional vulnerabilities of their victims to extract money under false pretences, a tactic that the police say constitutes fraud and other related offences.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh stated that all six suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court once the ongoing investigation is concluded. He emphasised that investigators are working to determine the total number of victims affected by the scam, assess the financial scale of the fraud, and identify any other collaborators who may still be at large.
Jimoh urged members of the public to exercise caution when confronted with unsolicited religious or spiritual claims that involve financial transactions, warning that individuals may misuse religion or spirituality as a cover for criminal activities. He encouraged residents to verify the legitimacy of religious claims and promptly report any suspicious activities or gatherings to the nearest police station.
In addition to law enforcement’s focus on this case, the Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and protect the safety and property of residents through sustained intelligence gathering, community partnerships and strategic policing operations.
The arrests come amid wider efforts by security agencies to clamp down on criminality disguised under various guises, including religious scams, and signal heightened attention to safeguarding vulnerable populations against exploitation.
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