The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five herbalists in Osun and Lagos states for allegedly possessing counterfeit foreign currencies valued at $3.43 million and €280,000.
The arrests were made on December 7 and 8, following intelligence and surveillance at the suspects’ shrines.
The suspects, identified as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Olaitan, and Familola Olaitan, are accused of defrauding a victim, Halima Sanni, of N26.55 million by promising spiritual cleansing and solutions to ailments.
The EFCC revealed that the herbalists claimed to have supernatural powers to conjure foreign currencies, which they said needed to be “cleaned” by a genie through spiritual sacrifices.
Among the items seized from the suspects were the counterfeit currencies, two exotic vehicles, and several mobile phones.
According to EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspects allegedly hypnotized victims to provide money for these supposed sacrifices. The suspects are set to be charged in court once investigations are concluded.