By Thomas Abidoye
Ondo – The Ondo State Police Command has detained six men suspected of impersonating pastors to defraud residents through staged miracles and false spiritual promises.
The arrests took place in Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, following an intelligence-led operation.
The suspects, named Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola, were apprehended on February 16, 2026, by tactical teams working alongside Community Safety Officers (CSOs).
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh explained that the group operated in a structured way, with assigned roles to build a credible appearance of religious authority.
The suspects allegedly exploited people’s faith, emotions, and personal struggles by promising divine fixes for issues like financial hardship, health problems, and other life challenges.
They staged fake miracles and spiritual displays to earn victims’ trust before extracting money or valuables under false pretenses.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh stated that preliminary findings show the suspects posed as pastors and religious figures, using staged miracles and interventions to deceive the public.
He noted that investigations continue to identify the full number of victims, calculate the total financial losses, and locate any remaining accomplices.
DSP Abayomi stated that all six suspects remain in custody and will face charges once the probe concludes.
The command urged the public to be cautious, verify religious claims, avoid suspicious financial requests, and report unusual gatherings or activities to authorities immediately.
Instances of individuals exploiting religious beliefs through staged miracles have occurred in various parts of Nigeria in recent years.
In one reported case from 2025, authorities in Lagos arrested members of a syndicate who used fake healings and prophecies to swindle congregants out of large sums.
Another example involved a group in Enugu State detained for similar tactics, promising instant wealth and health recoveries that were later exposed as orchestrated deceptions.
These incidents often involve coordinated groups posing as clergy, using props, accomplices, and emotional manipulation to target vulnerable people seeking solutions to personal crises.
Police across states have repeatedly warned against such schemes, stressing the need for verification and reporting suspicious religious activities to prevent exploitation under the guise of faith.
…………Police Orders Suspension of Night Religious Programmes
In a separate development, Ondo State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has directed religious organizations to halt all night-time programmes temporarily due to heightened security threats across the state. The advisory applies to Christian, Muslim, and traditional worshippers alike.
Lawal made the announcement while parading suspected kidnappers at the command’s headquarters in Akure.
He linked the decision to a recent incident where six worshippers, including five pregnant women and one person with a physical disability, were abducted during a midnight service at a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
The commissioner questioned the practice of using church premises for extended stays resembling medical facilities.
He emphasized that pregnant individuals should seek care at hospitals or maternity centers rather than religious venues.
Adebowale Lawal stated that the command has instructed all area commanders to inform religious leaders, across faiths, to suspend night worship for the time being because of ongoing security concerns.
He advised that if such services are deemed essential, organizers should consult police for security guidance and arrangements.This measure aims to reduce risks during vulnerable hours and allow better monitoring of religious activities.
The directive follows a pattern of kidnappings and other crimes targeting late-night gatherings in parts of the state.
