The in Ondo State has arrested six men described as pastors over an alleged fake miracle and fraud scheme in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued Thursday in Akure. He said the suspects — identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola — were apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out on February 16 by tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs).
According to Jimoh, the arrests followed credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and surrounding communities.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to win the confidence of unsuspecting members of the public. They were said to have exploited victims’ faith and emotions by promising divine solutions to financial, health, and personal challenges.
“The suspects defrauded their victims through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams,” the spokesperson said.
Police further revealed that the group allegedly operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members to create what appeared to be a legitimate religious setting.
Jimoh noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims, assess the financial scale of the alleged fraud, and track down possible accomplices who may still be at large.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command urged residents to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to individuals who use religion or claims of miracles as a cover for criminal activity. Members of the public were advised to verify claims, be wary of suspicious financial demands, and promptly report questionable gatherings or activities to the nearest police station.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and community partnerships to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.