Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a five-member syndicate of herbalists and recovered large consignments of suspected counterfeit foreign currencies valued at $3.43 million and €280,000 in Osun and Lagos States.
The suspects were apprehended for allegedly defrauding a victim, identified as Halima Sanni, of the sum of ₦26.55 million under the guise of offering spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments.
Those arrested are Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan. The arrests were carried out on December 7 and 8, 2025, at different shrine locations in Osun and Lagos, following sustained surveillance and actionable intelligence on their activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly targeted unsuspecting victims by claiming to possess supernatural powers capable of producing large sums of foreign currency. They reportedly convinced their victims that the conjured money required spiritual cleansing by a “genie” through ritual sacrifices before it could be spent.
Victims were allegedly hypnotised and persuaded to provide cash for the supposed sacrifices, which the suspects then diverted for personal use.
Items recovered during the operation include two exotic vehicles, mobile phones, and the counterfeit foreign currencies.
The EFCC stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
