Ondo Police Arrest Six Fake Pastors Over Staged Miracles and Fraud
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six individuals accused of impersonating pastors to defraud residents in the Idanre community of Idanre Local Government Area. According to authorities, the suspects allegedly orchestrated fake miracles and spiritual interventions to deceive unsuspecting victims, exploiting their faith for financial gain.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Arrests
Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Kazeem stated that the arrests resulted from a coordinated operation conducted on February 16, 2026. Operatives from the Command's Tactical Teams, in collaboration with Community Safety Officers, acted on credible intelligence regarding a suspected fraud syndicate operating in Idanre and surrounding areas.
Kazeem explained, "The operation led to the arrest of six suspects who allegedly organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeting 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."
Exploitation of Victims Through False Promises
The police report indicates that the suspects exploited individuals by promising divine solutions to various personal challenges, including financial difficulties and health issues. Victims were defrauded through methods involving obtaining by false pretence and other related scams. The suspects operated in a structured manner, assigning specific roles to create a convincing facade of legitimacy, thereby enhancing their deceptive practices.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning
Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud, including the number of victims and the total financial losses incurred. Authorities are also working to identify any potential accomplices who may still be at large. Kazeem confirmed that all suspects are in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The police have issued a public warning, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to individuals who misuse religion, spirituality, or false promises of miracles for criminal purposes. This case underscores growing concerns about fraudulent religious practices in local communities and highlights the importance of public awareness in preventing such crimes.
Broader Context of Religious Fraud
This incident is not isolated, as similar cases have been reported in other regions. For instance, the Lagos police command previously arrested four self-acclaimed pastors for conducting fake miracles and prophecies in Lekki and Epe areas. These arrests demonstrate a pattern of criminal exploitation under the guise of religious activities, necessitating continued law enforcement efforts and community education to combat such schemes effectively.
