Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested five suspected herbalists and uncovered large consignments of counterfeit foreign currencies valued at $3.43 million and €280,000 in Osun and Lagos states.
The arrests followed investigations into the alleged defrauding of a victim, identified as Halima Sanni, of the sum of ₦26.55 million, the Commission said.
Those arrested are Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan and Familola Sunday Olaitan. The suspects were apprehended on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos states after sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering on their activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly operated as a syndicate, defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of offering spiritual cleansing and remedies for various ailments.
The EFCC said the suspects also claimed to possess mystical powers to produce large sums of money, which they allegedly told victims required spiritual cleansing through sacrifices before the funds could be spent. Victims were reportedly hypnotised and persuaded to provide large sums of money for the purported rituals, only to be handed counterfeit currency.
Items recovered from the suspects include the counterfeit foreign notes, two exotic vehicles, and several mobile phones.
The Commission stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on December 17, 2025, by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale.
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