The in Ondo State Police command has arrested six men over an alleged fake miracle scam in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects — Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola — were apprehended following what police described as a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out on February 16 by tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs).
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed in a statement issued in Akure that the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and surrounding communities.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to gain the trust and confidence of unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects were said to have exploited the faith and vulnerabilities of their victims by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges and other personal problems. Police alleged that the group defrauded victims through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams.
Investigations further revealed that the suspects reportedly operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to create a convincing appearance of legitimacy during their staged activities.
The command said investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims, assess the financial scale of the alleged fraud and identify possible accomplices who may still be at large.
All six suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police urged residents to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to individuals who use religion or false promises of miracles as a cover for criminal activities. Members of the public were advised to verify claims, be wary of suspicious financial demands and promptly report any questionable gatherings to the nearest police station.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activities across Ondo State through sustained intelligence gathering, community collaboration and strategic operations.