EFCC Seizes counterfeit $3.4 Million, €280,000 from Suspected Spiritual Fraudsters

EFCC Seizes counterfeit $3.4 Million, €280,000 from Suspected Spiritual Fraudsters

Lagos/Osun, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five members of a syndicate allegedly defrauding individuals under the guise of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to ailments.

In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale identified the suspects as 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, following extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering on their fraudulent activities.

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According to the EFCC, the alleged scammers, operating as herbalists, defrauded one Halima Sanni of N26 million. During the raid, officers also recovered counterfeit foreign currency totalling $3.4 million and €280,000, as well as two exotic cars and mobile phones.

Oyewale explained that the suspects convinced their victims that a “genie” would cleanse and multiply the currency through spiritual sacrifice, using hypnosis to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

EFCC Seizes counterfeit $3.4 Million, €280,000 from Suspected Spiritual Fraudsters