By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Six men who posed as pastors and suspected to be part of a fraud syndicate have been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly defrauding residents of Idanre community with fake miracles.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, disclosed that the men allegedly performed fake miracles to deceive unsuspecting victims.
The statement identified them with only their first names as as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
It noted that the suspects were arrested following a well-coordinated and intelligence-driven operation based on credible information.
The statement read, “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.”
The police spokesman added that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to create a convincing and structured facade of legitimacy.
He noted that the police are still probing to determine the total number of victims, the financial cost of the alleged fraud, and to identify other accomplices in the crime.
“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,” he said.
Those arrested are expected to be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.
