- ‘Spiritual Cleansing’ Scam: EFCC Arrests Herbalists Over Fake $3.4m, €280,000
- Suspects claimed to possess mystical powers to generate foreign currencies
- Victims were allegedly hypnotised or manipulated into releasing funds to finance the supposed rituals
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has announced plans to arraign five herbalists arrested at different shrines in Lagos and Osun states over the alleged possession of counterfeit foreign currencies valued at about $3.4 million and €280,000.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that in a statement released on Wednesday via its official Facebook page, the anti-graft agency said the arrests followed a petition alleging that the suspects defrauded a victim, identified as Halima Sanni, of ₦26 million.
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According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly operated a scheme in which they presented themselves as spiritual healers capable of offering cleansing rituals and supernatural solutions to personal and financial problems.
The commission said the suspects claimed to possess mystical powers to generate foreign currencies, which they told victims required spiritual purification through sacrifices before the money could be spent.
Victims were allegedly hypnotised or manipulated into releasing funds to finance the supposed rituals.
The suspects were identified as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan and Familola Sunday Olaitan.
They were arrested on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their respective shrines following sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations in both states.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly fleeced unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of spiritual cleansing and treatment for various ailments.
During the operations, EFCC operatives recovered several items, including two exotic vehicles and mobile phones, believed to be linked to the alleged criminal activities.
The EFCC said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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