Ondo Police Arrest Six Fake Pastors in Miracle Scam Crackdown
Six Fake Pastors Arrested Over Miracle Scam in Ondo

Ondo Police Apprehend Six Suspects in Elaborate Fake Miracle Fraud Scheme

The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against criminal activities with the arrest of six individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated fake miracle scam. The suspects were taken into custody in Idanre Local Government Area following a meticulously planned operation.

Coordinated Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests

According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the development in an official statement released on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the arrests resulted from a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation conducted by the command's tactical teams in partnership with Community Safety Officers. The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding fraudulent activities targeting residents in Idanre and surrounding communities.

The suspects have been identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola. Preliminary investigations reveal that these individuals operated as an organized syndicate, systematically defrauding vulnerable members of the public through deceptive religious practices.

Modus Operandi: Exploiting Faith and Vulnerability

The police investigation uncovered that the suspects meticulously crafted a fraudulent scheme where they posed as pastors and religious leaders. Their primary strategy involved staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to establish credibility and gain the trust of potential victims.

"They allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems," stated SP Jimoh in the police release. The suspects would then defraud their targets through various forms of obtaining by false pretence, swindling them under the guise of providing spiritual solutions to their problems.

Structured Criminal Enterprise Uncovered

During interrogation, police discovered that the suspects operated in a highly coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to different members of the group to create a convincing façade of legitimacy. This structured approach allowed them to appear more authentic and effectively manipulate their victims.

The operation that led to their arrest was executed on February 16, 2026, after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Police tactical teams, working closely with community safety officers, moved in to apprehend the suspects who were allegedly organizing and executing fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting members of the public.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning

All six suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine the full scope of their criminal activities. Authorities are working to ascertain the total number of victims affected by the scam and calculate the financial magnitude of the fraud. Police are also pursuing leads to identify any additional collaborators who may still be at large.

The Ondo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to the public, urging residents to exercise due diligence and remain vigilant against individuals who misuse religion, spirituality, or promises of miracles to conceal criminal intentions. "Residents are advised to verify claims, be wary of suspicious financial demands, and promptly report any dubious gatherings or activities to the nearest Police Station," emphasized SP Jimoh.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command's commitment to ridding Ondo State of criminal elements through sustained intelligence gathering, community partnerships, and strategic operations aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of lives and property across the state.