Ogun State Police have arrested Kehinde Makinde, a self-styled pastor known as Pastor Kenny, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on August 3, 2026, for allegedly defrauding 18 church members of ₦2.5 million under the guise of a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The arrest followed four months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by detectives from the Obantoko Division.
Arrest Details and Surveillance
Makinde was picked up at approximately 4:45 pm on August 3, 2026, in Ibadan. Police spokesman DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the suspect had been under scrutiny for exploiting victims across Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states by posing as a spiritual deliverance minister.
According to Babaseyi, the suspect allegedly collected ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, promising each member ₦2 million as part of the purported government-sponsored pilgrimage. The scheme also involved fake spiritual deliverance sessions targeting unsuspecting victims in the three states.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement released to journalists on Monday, Babaseyi said: "Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained approximately ₦2.5 million from eighteen fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and promising each member ₦2 million."
Makinde remains in police custody as investigators work to identify more victims who may have been targeted across the three states. Efforts are also underway to track down and arrest any accomplices who may have assisted Makinde in the alleged fraudulent scheme.
Context of Religious Fraud in Nigeria
This arrest highlights a recurring issue of religious fraud in Nigeria, where individuals exploit the faith of congregation members for financial gain. Legit.ng has previously reported on similar cases, including a recent warning from MFM founder Dr Daniel Olukoya about spiritual challenges in 2026.
Dr Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, urged nations and individuals to pursue righteousness to avoid disorder and calamity during a crossover service at Prayer City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on January 2, 2026.
