Police arrest 6 pastors over fake miracles

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six men accused of posing as pastors to allegedly defraud residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Command disclosed on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended for allegedly staging fake miracles as part of a scheme to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and extort money from them.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, the suspects were named as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola.

The PPRO said, “On February 16, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with Community Safety Officers, carried out a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating in Idanre and its environs.

“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects who allegedly organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeting 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.

“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.”

Kazeem further explained that the group allegedly operated with clearly assigned roles to project a structured and convincing appearance of legitimacy.

“Further investigation is 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 PPRO said.

He added, “All the suspects are currently in police custody and will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution, warning against individuals who manipulate religion, spirituality, or claims of miracles to perpetrate criminal acts.