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By John Ogunsemore
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected fraudsters posing as pastors and staging fake miracles to deceive the public.
In a Thursday statement, the command spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed that the suspects were arrested in Idanre.
The all-male suspects were identified simply as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola.
He said on February 16, operatives of the command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with the Community Safety Officers (CSOs), carried out a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs.
“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects alleged to have organized and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.
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“Preliminary investigation reveals 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.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
Jimoh disclosed that 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,” the police spokesman stated.
Jimoh said all suspects were currently in police custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.
The command cautioned members of 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.
It urged residents to verify claims, be wary of suspicious financial demands, and promptly report any dubious gatherings or activities to the nearest police station.
