The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday announced the arrest of six men accused of impersonating pastors to defraud residents of Idanre community.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Kazeem said the suspects allegedly staged fake miracles to deceive victims. The men, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola, were apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation on February 16, 2026, conducted by the Command’s Tactical Teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers.
Kazeem explained that the suspects exploited the faith and vulnerabilities of individuals, promising divine solutions to financial, health, and personal problems, only to defraud them. “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,” he said.
The PPRO added that the group operated in a coordinated manner, with assigned roles to make their schemes appear legitimate. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify other collaborators who may still be at large.
“All the suspects are currently in police custody and will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” Kazeem noted. He also advised the public to exercise caution and avoid falling prey to individuals exploiting religion or false miracles for criminal gain.