The Ondo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested six individuals allegedly posing as pastors to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake miracles.
The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola, were apprehended in Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, where they reportedly carried out their activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the suspects were arrested by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers after a coordinated and intelligence-driven operation.
According to him, the group specialised in exploiting the faith, emotions and vulnerabilities of their victims.
Jimoh explained that the suspects swindled members of the public under false pretences, promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges and other personal problems.
“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 facade of legitimacy,” he said.
The police spokesman added that investigations were still ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
“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,” Jimoh stated.
The command assured residents of its continued commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes disguised as religious activities.
