EFCC detains Herbalists with $3.4 Million, €280,000 in counterfeit currency in Osun, Lagos

Agents from the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have discovered a substantial stash of fake foreign money amounting to $3.43 million and €280,000 from a five-member group of self-proclaimed herbalists operating in Osun and Lagos states.

The suspects were apprehended for allegedly swindling a woman named Halima Sanni out of 26.55 million naira through a carefully orchestrated scam based on false spiritual promises.

Those arrested include Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho, Ogunrinde Yahaya, Amodu Kubratu, Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan.

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They were taken into custody between December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines following thorough surveillance and intelligence work by EFCC agents.

Initial investigations have shown that the group targeted unsuspecting individuals by claiming to provide spiritual cleansing and remedies for various issues.

They further purported to have the ability to summon large amounts of foreign currency, which they said needed to be spiritually purified by a genie before use.

Victims were reportedly hypnotized and convinced to give large sums of money for spiritual sacrifices necessary to initiate the process.

Items confiscated from the suspects include counterfeit currency, two luxury vehicles, and multiple mobile phones.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will face charges in court once the investigations are complete.