6 pastors arrested over fake miracles in Ondo

The police command in Ondo State says it has arrested six pastors over alleged fake miracles in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state. DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure.  He said the suspects, who are all men, include Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, […]

The police command in Ondo State says it has arrested six pastors over alleged fake miracles in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure. 

He said the suspects, who are all men, include Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola.

Jimoh explained that operatives of the command’s tactical teams, in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs), carried out a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on February 16.

The spokesperson said the arrests followed credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs. According to him, the operation led to the apprehension of six suspects alleged to have organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed 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.

Jimoh said the suspects allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems.

“The suspects defrauded their victims through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams. During interrogation, 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 façade 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. All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.

The command cautioned 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.

(NAN)