The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six men accused of posing as pastors and defrauding residents of Idanre community through staged “miracles.”
In a statement Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Jimoh Kazeem, said the suspects were identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
Police said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out on Feb. 16, 2026, by tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers in Idanre Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the suspects are believed to be part of a fraud syndicate operating in Idanre and surrounding areas.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the group posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to gain the trust of victims before defrauding them.
Police said the suspects exploited residents by promising solutions to financial, health and personal problems, using deception to obtain money under false pretenses.
Investigators also found that the group operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members to create what authorities described as a convincing appearance of legitimacy.
The police said further investigations are underway to determine the number of victims, the total amount involved and whether other suspects are still at large.
The suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, the statement said.
The command urged residents to remain cautious and avoid individuals who use religion or claims of miracles as a cover for criminal activities.
