Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended five individuals posing as traditional healers, or 'Babalawos', in a major crackdown on fraud linked to spiritual deception. The suspects were found in possession of a massive haul of counterfeit foreign currency.
Massive Counterfeit Haul and Victim Defrauded
The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC carried out the arrests on December 7 and 8, 2025, following sustained surveillance. The suspects were arrested at their shrines in Osun and Lagos States.
During the operation, EFCC officials seized counterfeit notes with a face value of $3,430,000 (Three Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand US Dollars) and €280,000 (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Euros). The commission stated that the suspects are accused of defrauding a victim, Halima Sanni, of N26,550,000 (Twenty-Six Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).
Suspects and Their Alleged Spiritual Scam
The five arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Akingbola Omotayo
- Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde
- Yahaya Amodu
- Kubratu Babalola Olaitan
- Familola Sunday Olaitan
Investigations by the anti-graft agency revealed that the suspects allegedly operated by promising victims spiritual cleansing and solutions to personal problems. Their central scheme involved convincing individuals that they could spiritually 'conjure' or multiply large sums of money through rituals and sacrifices.
"These suspects exploited the trust of innocent individuals by promising them spiritual enrichment," an EFCC spokesperson said. "Their alleged activities involved sophisticated deception and the use of spiritual manipulation to obtain large sums of money." The commission alleges the suspects used a form of hypnotic influence to persuade victims to hand over their money.
Recovered Items and Impending Prosecution
Beyond the fake foreign notes, operatives also recovered significant assets from the suspects. These include:
- Two exotic vehicles
- Several mobile phones
The EFCC has confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. This case is part of a broader effort to tackle financial crimes that exploit religious and traditional beliefs.
"We will ensure that all involved in such fraudulent operations are brought to justice," the EFCC added. "This case serves as a warning to anyone attempting to exploit citizens under the guise of spiritual intervention."
The arrest highlights the evolving nature of fraud in Nigeria and the EFCC's focus on schemes that prey on the vulnerable using non-traditional methods.
