The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six persons accused of posing as pastors to defraud residents through staged miracles in Idanre, Idanre Local Council.

The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola, were apprehended during a coordinated operation by tactical teams of the command in collaboration with Community Safety Officers.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects allegedly operated as a group, assigning roles to create a façade of legitimacy and win the confidence of their victims.

He said preliminary investigation showed that they posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

“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,” he said.

Jimoh added that investigation was ongoing to determine the number of victims, the financial magnitude of the fraud and to identify other possible collaborators.

The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court after investigation.

The command urged residents to exercise caution and verify claims before parting with money, warning against individuals who use religion or false promises of miracles as a cover for criminal activities.