Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested five suspected herbalists over the possession of counterfeit foreign currencies valued at $3.43 million and €280,000 in Osun and Lagos states.
The suspects were arrested for allegedly defrauding a victim, Halima Sanni, of N26.55 million under the guise of providing spiritual services.
Those arrested are Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female), and Familola Sunday Olaitan. They were apprehended on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their respective shrines following intensive surveillance and credible intelligence on their activities.
According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly specialized in deceiving unsuspecting members of the public by claiming to offer spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments. They were also accused of assuring victims that they possessed supernatural powers to conjure foreign currencies, which they claimed required spiritual sacrifices and ritual cleansing by a “genie” before the money could be spent.
The anti-graft agency said the suspects allegedly hypnotised their victims and persuaded them to part with large sums of money to fund the supposed sacrifices.
Items recovered from the suspects include the counterfeit foreign currencies, two exotic vehicles, and several mobile phones.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dated December 17, 2026.
