Ondo State Police have arrested six men accused of posing as pastors and defrauding residents of Idanre through staged “miracles.”

The arrests were announced by the state’s Police Command, following an intelligence-led operation on February 16, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola, reportedly targeted vulnerable individuals, offering spiritual solutions to financial, health, and personal problems.

Instead of providing divine help, they allegedly defrauded victims through fake miracles and other deceptive practices.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, the arrests were carried out by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers.

“Our operation dismantled a fraud syndicate that posed as religious leaders, staging convincing miracles to gain the trust of unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to maintain a façade of legitimacy.

Authorities are now working to determine the total number of victims, the financial impact of the scams, and whether additional accomplices remain at large.

The police have confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged in court once investigations conclude.

Residents are advised to exercise caution and verify claims before engaging with individuals who use religion or spirituality as a cover for illegal activities.

This case highlights the growing issue of fake pastors exploiting communities under the guise of miracles.

Law enforcement agencies across Nigeria continue to warn the public about such scams, urging vigilance against anyone promising supernatural solutions to everyday problems.

By exposing this fraudulent syndicate in Idanre, Ondo State Police reinforce their commitment to protecting residents from spiritual and financial exploitation.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious religious activities and to rely on credible sources when seeking spiritual guidance, ensuring that faith is not manipulated for criminal gain.