Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested five suspected fraudsters, said to be herbalists, and seized counterfeit foreign currencies amounting to $3.43m and €280,000 from them.
The suspects—Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female) and Familola Sunday Olaitan—were apprehended on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos states following intelligence-led surveillance on their alleged activities.
The EFCC said the arrests followed a petition alleging that the suspects, operating as a syndicate, defrauded a victim, Halima Sanni, of ₦26.55m under the guise of offering spiritual cleansing and remedies for ailments.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly lured victims with claims of supernatural powers to “conjure” large sums of money, insisting that the supposed currency must be spiritually cleansed by a genie through sacrifices before it could be spent. Victims were reportedly hypnotised and persuaded to part with cash for the purported rites.
Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of counterfeit dollar and euro notes, two exotic cars and several mobile phones.
The anti-graft agency said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
The EFCC reiterated its warning to members of the public to be wary of individuals promising instant wealth or spiritual solutions tied to money-making schemes, noting that such claims are often fronts for fraud.
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