Ondo police arrest mother, daughter over ₦5.3m ‘prophecy’ scam in Akungba. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
Ondo police arrest mother, daughter over ₦5.3m ‘prophecy’ scam in Akungba. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a mother and her daughter in the University town of Akungba Akoko over an alleged spiritual scam that reportedly cost a resident, Mrs Ologungbede Flora, her life savings.
Police investigation revealed that Flora, who lives in Ilale Quarters, parted with the money after a woman she trusted as both a tenant and spiritual adviser allegedly warned that one of her children faced a looming tragedy.
The Command said the suspect, identified as Oluwakemi Grace, allegedly posed as a prophetess and convinced the woman that one of her children was in danger of being involved in a fatal accident.
Police said the suspect claimed she had received a disturbing spiritual revelation and insisted that urgent prayers and rituals were needed to avert the looming disaster.
To make the prophecy appear credible, the suspect reportedly introduced an alleged “prayer partner,” identified simply as Valentine and said to be based in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Gripped by fear and desperate to protect her child, the victim allegedly began transferring money for the supposed spiritual intervention.
Investigators said a total of ₦5.3 million was eventually paid through an Opay account belonging to the suspect’s daughter, Pretty Oruku.
Sources familiar with the matter said the complainant became emotionally distressed as the financial demands continued to rise.
Police added that the suspects allegedly demanded an additional ₦7 million while threatening dire consequences if she failed to comply.
“At that point, she became suspicious and realised she might have been deceived,” a police source said.
The case was later reported to the police, prompting detectives of the Ondo State Police Command to launch an investigation that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Residents of the community reportedly reacted with shock, particularly as the principal suspect allegedly lived close to the victim as a tenant.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the alleged fraud, especially the said Valentine, who remains at large.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, condemned the use of religion and false prophecies as tools for extortion and manipulation.
He warned residents against falling prey to self-acclaimed spiritualists who exploit fear and superstition for financial gain.
The police boss also urged members of the public to speak up and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that silence often allows fraudsters to continue preying on vulnerable people.
The incident once again highlights how fear, blind trust, and emotional vulnerability can leave victims exposed to exploitation in the name of spirituality.
