The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected fraudsters accused of staging fake miracles to swindle residents in Idanre.
The Police said the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers following reports of a syndicate allegedly defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of spiritual interventions.
According to the command, the suspects allegedly posed as pastors and religious figures, organising staged healing sessions and miracle programmes to gain the trust of victims before extorting money from them.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the group exploited the faith and personal challenges of their targets by promising solutions to financial, health and other problems through purported divine means.
The police identified the suspects as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.
Sources within the command disclosed that the suspects operated as a coordinated network, assigning roles among themselves to create the impression of a legitimate religious gathering.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine the number of victims, the amount allegedly obtained and possible accomplices still at large.
Spokesman for the command, Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.
He warned residents to be cautious of individuals using religion or claims of supernatural powers to perpetrate fraud, urging members of the public to verify suspicious claims and report dubious activities to security agencies.
The police reiterated their commitment to combating criminal activities across the state through intelligence gathering and community collaboration to ensure the safety of lives and property.