Six Suspects Arrested for Posing as Pastors to Defraud Residents in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended six individuals accused of disguising themselves as pastors to deceive and defraud unsuspecting residents of the Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area through staged miracles.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, in a statement on Thursday, identified the suspects as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.

According to the police, the arrests were made on February 16, 2026, following an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers.

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

“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 suspects are said to have exploited the faith and vulnerabilities of residents by offering divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges and other personal problems, only to defraud them under false pretences.

The police noted that the group operated in a coordinated manner, with members assigned specific roles to create a convincing and structured appearance of legitimacy.

“Further investigations are 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 statement added.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

The police command has advised members of the public to remain cautious and vigilant, warning against individuals who use religion, spirituality, or miraculous claims as a cover for criminal activities.