Two self-proclaimed Islamic clerics, Saheed Atanda Aremu and Tolani Osuolale, were on Thursday remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged ₦280 million fraud.
The clerics were arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, on a five-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, advance fee fraud, impersonation, stealing, and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the police, the two men allegedly defrauded a medical doctor, Dr. Patrick Eloka Akaraiwe, between November 2020 and September 2023. They reportedly convinced the doctor that he needed to perform spiritual rituals to protect his money from bringing him misfortune if used to buy property.
The clerics allegedly posed as “Alfas” and persuaded the doctor to hand over \$200,000 (approximately ₦280 million) in three instalments for prayers and spiritual cleansing.
During the court session, the police prosecutor, J.I. Eboseremen, requested the remand of the defendants, saying a bail application filed by the defence was still being reviewed.
Justice Osiagor ordered their remand and adjourned the matter till July 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
The court was told the clerics used spiritual threats, charms, and religious language to manipulate the victim into believing he would die if the prayers were not done.
The police also revealed that the accused spent the money on personal needs and that other suspects involved in the scheme are still at large.
