The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected individuals for allegedly scamming unsuspecting members of the public by posing as pastors and claiming to perform fake miracles.
The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola, were apprehended in Idanre, the headquarters of the Idanre Local Council Area of the state, where they performed their nefarious activities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, the suspects were apprehended by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs) following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspects, through their modus operandi, involved the exploitation of faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of their victims.
Jimoh added that the suspects swindled the victims under false pretences by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems.
He said, “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 facade 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.
“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.
“All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the 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.”
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