Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have dismantled a five-member syndicate of herbalists accused of defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians through fake spiritual practices, recovering $3.43 million and €280,000 in counterfeit foreign currencies.
According to the agency, the suspects were arrested between December 7 and 8, 2025, at various shrines located in Osun, Oyo, and Lagos States, following intelligence-led surveillance on their activities.
Those arrested were identified as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female), and Familola Sunday Olaitan.
In a statement made available on its social media platforms on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency said investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly swindled a woman, Halima Sanni, of ₦26.55 million under the pretence of providing spiritual cleansing and supernatural solutions to personal and financial challenges.
According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly claimed to possess powers to conjure large sums of foreign currencies, which they said required ritual “cleansing” by a genie before the money could be spent.
The commission said victims were hypnotised and convinced to provide money for sacrifices purportedly needed to unlock the funds.
“Investigation revealed that the suspects were defrauding unsuspecting individuals of their legitimate earnings under the guise of spiritual cleansing and solutions to different ailments,” the statement said.
The EFCC added that during the operation, operatives recovered two exotic vehicles, mobile phones, and other incriminating items believed to have been used in carrying out the fraudulent activities.
The commission confirmed that all five suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the statement added.
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