Three men—Waheed Bojesomo, 53, Olajide Olakanmi, 59, and Olayinka Oludayo, 46—have been arraigned before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges of fraudulently swindling a spiritual seeker of N6.8 million. The defendants appeared in court on Tuesday, facing three counts of conspiracy, fraud, and stealing, allegedly committed between 2022 and October 2025 at Apatere village, Ibadan. They pleaded not guilty to all charges during the proceedings.
The prosecution, led by ASP Sikiru Opaleye, accused the trio of conspiring to defraud Muritala Abiodun by falsely claiming they could prepare a special spiritual soap for him. According to the prosecutor, the defendants collected the sum of N6.8 million from Abiodun under this pretence, knowing full well that their claims were false. The money, he argued, was stolen and fraudulently converted for their personal use.
Opaleye stated that the acts committed by the accused contravened Sections 390(9), 419, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000. These sections deal with criminal conspiracy, fraudulent practices, and theft, respectively. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting the defendants operated together over an extended period, exploiting Abiodun’s trust in spiritual matters for financial gain.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the three defendants to bail in the sum of N2.5 million each. Each defendant was required to provide two sureties, also in the amount of N2.5 million, with the condition that one of the sureties must be a blood relative. This measure is standard in Nigerian courts to ensure the accused do not abscond during trial.
The court adjourned the case until October 22 for further hearing. During that date, more evidence may be presented, and the defense will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s claims. The case has drawn attention due to the rising incidents of fraud linked to spiritual and religious activities in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers like Ibadan.
This incident highlights the growing concern over fraudulent schemes disguised as spiritual services, which often target vulnerable individuals seeking divine intervention. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder for Nigerians to exercise caution when engaging with unverified spiritual practitioners, especially those demanding large sums of money for promises of supernatural outcomes.
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