Six pastors have been arrested over an alleged fake miracle in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The state Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, made this known on Thursday in Akure, saying the suspects are Fadahunsi; Kolade’; Tijani; Iyanuoluwa; Arijesulola and Ademola.
Jimoh said the arrest followed credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs, adding that the operation led to the arrest of the six suspects alleged to have organised and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.
He said the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions, as a ploy to gain the confidence and trust of their victims.
Jimoh said the suspects allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems.
“The suspects only defrauded their victims by obtaining by false pretence and related scams.
“During interrogation, it was gathered that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members of the group to create a convincing and structured façade of legitimacy.
“Further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the total number of victims, financial magnitude of the fraud, and identify other collaborators who may still be at large.
“All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.”
