Ondo Police arrest six men accused of staging fake miracles and defrauding residents in Idanre community through organised scams

The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday announced the arrest of six men who allegedly posed as pastors and defrauded residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Also read: Meta sues deepfake scammers in Brazil, China

Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Kazeem disclosed in a statement issued in Akure on Thursday that Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola were arrested following what he described as an intelligence driven operation conducted on 16 February 2026.

Jimoh Kazeem said operatives of the command’s tactical teams worked with Community Safety Officers to carry out the coordinated raid after receiving credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and surrounding areas.

The operation led to the arrest of the six suspects alleged to have organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to gain the confidence of victims.

According to Jimoh Kazeem, the suspects allegedly exploited the faith and vulnerabilities of residents by promising divine solutions to financial hardship, health challenges and personal difficulties.

The police said the group then defrauded victims through false pretences and related scams.

Investigations indicated that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members to create what the police described as a convincing façade of legitimacy.

Further investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims, establish the financial scale of the alleged fraud and identify possible collaborators still at large.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Also read: Seyi Law makes emotional public apology over security claim

The command urged residents to exercise caution and due diligence, warning against individuals who use religion, spirituality or claims of miracles as a cover for criminal activity.