The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five members of a syndicate allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals under the pretence of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, identified the suspects as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan.
Oyewale said operatives arrested them on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos states “following a thorough surveillance and intelligence on their fraudulent activities”.
According to the EFCC spokesperson, the suspects, who operated as herbalists, allegedly defrauded one Halima Sanni of N26 million.
He added that counterfeit foreign notes totalling $3.4 million and €280,000 were recovered from the suspects during the raid.
“They also allegedly assured their victims of their powers to conjure several currency notes which must be cleaned up by a genie through spiritual sacrifice before spending the money,” the statement reads.
“They did all these by hypnotising their victims to provide money for the sacrifice.
“Other items recovered from them include two exotic cars and mobile phones. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
