The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspects accused of defrauding members of the public by posing as pastors and staging fake miracles.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola, were apprehended in Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, where they allegedly carried out the fraudulent activities.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests were made by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs) following an intelligence-led operation.
According to him, the suspects operated in an organised manner, assigning roles among themselves to create the impression of a legitimate religious ministry.
“It was gathered that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members of the group to create a convincing and structured facade of legitimacy,” Jimoh said.
He added that preliminary findings showed the group deceived victims by promising supernatural solutions to personal and financial problems.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions as a strategy to gain the confidence and trust of their victims,” he said.
“They allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems, only to defraud them through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams.”
The police said investigations were ongoing to determine the number of victims, the total amount of money involved, and whether other accomplices were still at large.
“All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” Jimoh added.
The command also warned residents to remain vigilant against individuals who use religion or claims of miracles to perpetrate fraud.
“The command wishes to use this opportunity to caution members of the public to exercise due diligence and avoid falling prey to individuals who use religion, spirituality, or false promises of miracles as a cover for criminal activities,” he said.
Residents were urged to verify suspicious claims, avoid questionable financial requests, and report dubious activities to the nearest police station.
