The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six men accused of posing as pastors and allegedly defrauding residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area through staged miracles.
The arrests were disclosed on Thursday in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem. The suspects were identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on February 16, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers.
“On 16th February, 2026, operatives of the command’s tactical teams, in collaboration with the community safety officers, carried out a well-coordinated operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs,” the statement read.
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“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects alleged to have organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.
“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 police said the suspects allegedly took advantage of the residents’ faith and personal struggles by promising divine solutions to financial, health and other life challenges, only to swindle them through false pretences.
Investigators further revealed that the group reportedly operated in a coordinated manner, assigning different roles among themselves to create what authorities described as a convincing and structured façade 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 remain in police custody and are expected to be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The command advised residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution, warning against individuals who exploit religion or claims of miracles as a cover for criminal activity.
