Two individuals who claimed to be Islamic clerics have been brought before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of defrauding a medical doctor of ₦280 million, under the pretense of conducting spiritual rituals on the funds.
The accused, Saheed Atanda Aremu (44) and Tolani Osuolale (48), reportedly persuaded Dr. Patrick Eloka Akaraiwe to part with $200,000, delivered in three instalments.
They allegedly warned the doctor that unless the money was spiritually “fortified,” he would suffer an untimely death if he used it to purchase property.
Claiming to possess spiritual abilities as Alfas, the duo was arraigned on Thursday on a five-count charge involving conspiracy, fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing, brought against them by the police.
According to the police prosecutor, Joseph Eboseremen, the fraudulent acts occurred between November 19, 2020, and October 2023, across Ibadan in Oyo State and Oworonshoki in Lagos State.
The defendants also allegedly posed as spiritualists capable of multiplying the funds and deceived the doctor into believing that obedience to their instructions would help him avoid misfortune.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act and sections of the Criminal Code.
Both accused individuals pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility.
The defence counsel notified the court that a bail application had already been filed and served, but the prosecution requested more time to respond.
Justice Daniel Osiagor then ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to July 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
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