Kehinde Makinde, widely known as "Pastor Kenny," has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defrauding 18 members of his fellowship of ₦2.5 million under the guise of a government-backed pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The arrest, which took place on August 3 in Ibadan, Oyo State, followed a four-month covert investigation by detectives from the Obantoko Division.
How the Pilgrimage Scam Unfolded
According to police sources, Makinde convinced members of a fellowship group in Saje, Adatan, that a government-sponsored trip to Jerusalem was being arranged on their behalf. Each contributor was assured they would personally receive ₦2 million once the arrangement was finalized—a payout that never materialized. The victims collectively paid ₦2.5 million, believing they were securing a once-in-a-lifetime religious opportunity.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Makinde remains in detention as investigations continue. Detectives are working to identify any additional victims and trace others who may have assisted him in the scheme.
Broader Pattern of Manipulation
Investigators have revealed that the pilgrimage scam is not an isolated incident. Makinde is also being investigated for allegedly targeting individuals across Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States. He reportedly presented himself as a spiritual figure offering deliverance services in exchange for payment, a tactic police describe as a broader pattern of manipulation rather than a single fraudulent act.
"This is a classic case of exploiting religious trust for financial gain," said a police officer familiar with the investigation. "The emotional and spiritual weight attached to pilgrimages makes such promises particularly effective."
Recurring Issue in Nigeria
Cases involving self-styled clergy defrauding congregants have surfaced periodically across Nigeria in recent years. Pilgrimage-related promises have proven to be a recurring tactic due to the deep significance many Nigerians place on visiting holy sites abroad. The latest incident highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in addressing financial exploitation under the cover of faith.
Authorities have not yet indicated when Makinde will appear in court, and no formal charges have been made public at this stage. The case adds to a string of recent fraud-related arrests involving religious figures in southwestern Nigeria, as police continue to act on complaints of faith-based financial exploitation.
Police Urge Victims to Come Forward
The Ogun State Police Command has urged anyone who may have been approached by Makinde or who has information about his activities to come forward. Officers are particularly interested in identifying victims in Oyo and Osun States, where similar schemes may have been run.
Meanwhile, the fellowship members in Saje are left to grapple with the financial and emotional fallout. For many, the ₦2.5 million represented significant savings, and the promised pilgrimage was seen as a spiritual milestone. The betrayal has shaken their trust in religious leadership, a sentiment echoed in similar cases across the region.
