The Police have arrested six men in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State for allegedly running a fake miracle scam that defrauded unsuspecting residents by exploiting their faith.
State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Jimoh Abayomi, a deputy superintendent, DSP, disclosed this in a statement alleging that the six suspects, all young men, posed to be pastors and spiritual leaders, claiming they could perform miracles and provide divine solutions to financial problems, health issues, and personal challenges.
According to the statement, the group staged fake spiritual interventions to gain the trust of their victims before extorting money.
It said the arrests were made on February 16, 2026, following a coordinated operation by the Command’s Tactical Teams and Community Safety Officers.
Also, the statement disclosed that investigators revealed that the suspects worked in a highly organized manner, with each member playing a specific role to make the scam appear legitimate.
Police say further investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims, the amount defrauded, and any additional collaborators still at large.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court once the investigation is complete.
Following is the full statement, titled: “Ondo Police arrest six suspected fraudsters over miracle scam in Idanre”:
“The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained crackdown on fraud-related offences and other criminal activities across the State with the arrest of six suspects over an alleged fake miracle scam in Idanre.
On 16th February, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with the Community Safety Officers (CSOs), carried out a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspects alleged to have organized and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions as a strategy to gain the confidence and trust of their victims.
They allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems, only to defraud them through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams.
The suspects include: (names withheld by The Radiance).
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, determine the 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.
The Command wishes to use this opportunity to caution members of the public to exercise due diligence and avoid falling prey to individuals who use religion, spirituality, or false promises of miracles as a cover for criminal activities. Residents are advised to verify claims, be wary of suspicious financial demands, and promptly report any dubious gatherings or activities to the nearest Police Station.
The Command remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to rid Ondo State of criminal elements. Through sustained intelligence gathering, community partnership, and strategic operations, it will continue to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property across the State.”
