By Sunday Apah
Six persons posing as pastors have been apprehended in connection with fraudulent “miracle” schemes targeting residents of Idanre community in Ondo State.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the six suspects on Thursday. According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, Jimoh Kazeem, the men are identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola.
The arrests resulted from an intelligence-based operation carried out on February 16, 2026, by police tactical teams working alongside Community Safety Officers.
Authorities reported that the suspects organized deceptive schemes, presenting themselves as pastors and spiritual leaders. They staged fake miracles and religious interventions to win the trust of their targets.
Police investigations indicate that the group took advantage of the victims’ faith and personal struggles, offering false promises of divine help with financial, health, or other personal issues, only to swindle them through deceitful means.
The suspects reportedly worked in a coordinated manner, with each member playing a specific role to maintain an appearance of authenticity.
Investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the fraud, identify all affected victims, and locate any remaining accomplices.
The suspects are currently detained and will be prosecuted once the investigation is complete.
The police have advised the public to remain vigilant and to verify the credibility of individuals who use religious or spiritual claims to solicit trust, warning that such tactics may conceal criminal intentions.
