The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six men suspected of posing as pastors to defraud residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area through staged miracles and false spiritual claims.
The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola, were apprehended during what police described as a coordinated, intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and neighbouring areas.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, said operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams worked in collaboration with Community Safety Officers to dismantle the group.
“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,” Kazeem stated.
“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects who allegedly organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting members of the public.”
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and orchestrating spiritual performances to win the confidence of victims.
“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,” the PPRO said.
He alleged that the group deliberately preyed on individuals facing personal and financial challenges.
“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 added.
The spokesperson further disclosed that the suspects operated with a structured strategy, assigning specific roles among themselves to present what appeared to be a legitimate religious setting.
“The suspects operated in a coordinated manner, with clearly defined roles designed to create a convincing and structured façade of legitimacy,” he said. “This calculated approach made it easier to manipulate and deceive their targets.”
Kazeem noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the scale of the alleged fraud and uncover possible accomplices.
“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.
He assured that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
“All the suspects are currently in police custody and will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the police spokesperson stated.
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to curbing fraud and related crimes, Kazeem advised members of the public to exercise caution and vigilance.
“We advise members of the public to exercise due diligence and avoid falling prey to individuals who exploit religion, spirituality, or false promises of miracles for criminal purposes,” he said. “The Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting residents from criminal elements operating under any guise.”
