Edith CHUKU
Six men have been arrested by the Ondo State Police command for allegedly posing as pastors and defrauding unsuspecting residents of Idanre Community in Idanre Local Government Area of the state with “staged miracles.”
The suspects were accused of exploiting the faith and vulnerabilities of residents by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges and other personal problems, only to defraud them through false pretences and related scams.
This was contained in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Kazeem, on Thursday, identifying the suspects simply as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
According to the PPRO, the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted on February 16, 2026, by operatives of the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with community safety officers.
“On 16th February, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with the Community Safety Officers, carried out a well-coordinated operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs.
“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects alleged to have organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to gain the confidence and trust of their victims.”
The spokesperson added that investigations showed the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members of the group to create what he described as a convincing and structured façade of legitimacy.
The Police assured that, “investigations are ongoing to ascertain the total number of victims, determine the financial magnitude of the fraud, and identify other collaborators who may still be at large.
“The suspects remain in custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
Further, the command urged members of the public to “exercise caution and due diligence, warning residents against individuals who use religion, spirituality or claims of miracles as a cover for criminal activities.”
