Two Alleged Islamic Clerics Remanded Over N280 Million Spiritual Scam Targeting Medical Doctor

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Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday ordered the remand of two self-proclaimed Islamic clerics, Saheed Atanda Aremu, 44, and Tolani Osuolale, 48, in the Nigerian Correctional Centre over an alleged ₦280 million spiritual fraud scheme involving a medical doctor.

The Nigeria Police arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, impersonation, and stealing. Both men pleaded not guilty.

According to police prosecutor Joseph Eboseremen, the incident occurred between November 2020 and September 2023 in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Oworonshoki, Lagos State. The accused allegedly defrauded Dr. Patrick Eloka Akaraiwe of $200,000 (approximately ₦280 million) in three instalments. They claimed the money needed to be spiritually “fortified” to avoid catastrophic consequences, including sudden death, should the doctor attempt to use the funds to buy property without undergoing their ritual process.

The defendants, who presented themselves as “Alfas” with mystical powers, allegedly employed spiritual threats, charms, and religious language to convince the doctor of their powers to protect and multiply his funds.

Count I of the charge alleges conspiracy to commit a felony by obtaining money under false pretences, violating Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Count II states that the duo induced the victim to deliver $200,000 by falsely claiming the funds needed prayer to prevent misfortune, in violation of Sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the same Act.

Count III accuses the men of falsely presenting themselves as possessing supernatural powers to multiply money for property investment purposes, contravening Section 2(b) and punishable under Section 2(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.

Count IV charges them with conspiracy to steal, punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, while Count V alleges theft of the victim’s funds for personal gain, violating Section 383 and punishable under Section 390.

The police urged the court to remand the defendants, while acknowledging the defence had filed a bail application. The prosecution requested more time to respond.

Justice Osiagor adjourned the case until July 18, 2025, for hearing on the bail application and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody.