Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Fadahunsi Olanrewaju, founder of God’s Favorite Ministry, has been arrested by security authorities in Ondo State following allegations that he staged fake miracles during church activities. The arrest has reignited public debate about religious authenticity, miracle performances in Nigerian Pentecostal movements, and the legal boundaries between faith expression and criminal deception.
The pastor, who is originally from Osun State where his ministry is also believed to be based, reportedly presented himself as a divinely ordained clergy trained for pastoral service. During questioning by authorities, he admitted to staging what he described as a single miracle incident several years ago, though he insisted that it was an isolated occurrence unrelated to ongoing allegations against him.
According to statements attributed to him, the controversial incident happened approximately three years ago when the ministry was newly established. The pastor explained that the event involved the presentation of an individual who appeared mentally unstable during a church programme. He claimed the person was later portrayed as being healed following prayer sessions conducted before a congregation.
“I healed a mad man. He isn’t really mad. My ministry just started at the time three years ago, so they gave us someone to act as a mad woman,” he allegedly said during interrogation.
The pastor further explained that he could not disclose the identity of the person who allegedly provided the individual used in the staged performance, stating that the persons involved were highly influential and that he had since lost contact with them. Authorities have not independently verified this claim.
He continued by narrating that the individual involved in the alleged staged miracle wore clothing meant to create the impression of mental illness during the church programme. After prayers were performed publicly, the person was presented as having been healed.
Fadahunsi maintained that the incident was the only miracle performance he intentionally participated in, stating that it occurred during the early phase of his ministry’s establishment. He also told investigators that he was arrested the following day after the event.
Security officials have not released full details of the investigative procedures leading to his arrest, but reports suggest that the operation was triggered by complaints from members of the public who alleged that miracle performances conducted by the ministry were deceptive.
Authorities have also reportedly identified several other individuals allegedly connected to the incident. Those named in preliminary reports include Gbadura Marvelous, Arijesulola Kayode, and two additional persons identified as Tijani and Kolade. Investigators are reportedly examining their roles in the alleged orchestration of staged miracle demonstrations.
Fake miracle allegations are not uncommon in Nigeria’s highly religious society, where spiritual healing services attract large congregations seeking solutions to medical, psychological and economic problems. Some critics argue that the competitive nature of modern Pentecostal evangelism has encouraged sensational displays during worship programmes.
Religious analysts note that miracle claims can become controversial when they involve vulnerable individuals, especially when participants are allegedly used to simulate illness or disability for public demonstration. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that exploitation of mentally challenged persons for entertainment or religious publicity violates ethical and legal standards.
Legal experts say the case may fall under criminal provisions related to fraud, deception or exploitation if investigators establish that the performance was deliberately staged to obtain financial or social advantage. Nigerian law generally prohibits acts that involve obtaining money or influence through false representation.
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions among church members and residents in southwestern Nigeria. Some supporters of the pastor insist that the allegations are exaggerated and argue that spiritual healing experiences cannot be evaluated solely through scientific or legal frameworks.
Others have welcomed the arrest, saying it reflects growing societal pressure on religious institutions to maintain accountability and prevent exploitation of congregants. Critics of fake miracle practices say such activities damage public trust in genuine religious ministry and may expose vulnerable individuals to psychological harm.
Church authorities associated with the ministry have not released an official statement addressing the arrest. Attempts to reach representatives of the organisation for clarification were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Security officials say the investigation is still ongoing and may expand if additional evidence emerges linking other religious workers or associates to the alleged incident. Authorities are examining witness testimonies, church programme recordings, and possible financial transactions connected to the ministry’s activities.
The case highlights a broader national conversation about regulation of religious practices in Nigeria. The country is home to thousands of independent churches, mosques and spiritual organisations operating with varying degrees of oversight. While freedom of worship is constitutionally protected, authorities maintain that criminal behaviour disguised as religious practice remains prosecutable.
Civil society organisations have urged stronger monitoring of religious events, especially programmes involving healing claims or public demonstrations using individuals with medical or psychological conditions.
Stone Reporters note that the arrest of the pastor reflects increasing efforts by law enforcement agencies in southwestern Nigeria to address complaints of spiritual fraud and public deception. However, experts warn that investigations must balance criminal accountability with protection of constitutional rights to religious expression.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether formal charges will be filed against the suspects or whether the matter will be resolved through administrative or legal settlement processes. If prosecuted and convicted, those involved could face penalties depending on the specific offences established in court.
For now, the arrest has intensified discussions about ethics in religious leadership and the responsibility of spiritual institutions to avoid practices that may be interpreted as exploitation or fraud. Community members and church followers continue to watch developments closely as authorities continue their inquiry.
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