EFCC Busts Five-Member Herbalist Syndicate in Osun, Lagos, Recovers Fake Currencies Worth $3.4m, €280,000
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a five-member herbalist syndicate in Osun and Lagos States, recovering fake foreign currencies worth $3,430,000 and €280,000 from their shrines.
The suspects, identified as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan, were arrested by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate for allegedly swindling one Halima Sanni of ₦26,550,000 on December 7 and 8, 2025, following thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering on their fraudulent activities.
According to the Commission, investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded unsuspecting individuals under the pretence of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments.
“They also allegedly assured their victims of their powers to conjure several currency notes which must be cleaned up by a genie through spiritual sacrifice before spending the money,” the Commission stated.
It noted that the suspects hypnotized their victims into providing money for the sacrifices, while highlighting the items recovered from them, including two cars and mobile phones.
The anti-graft agency added that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
