Three men have been brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over allegations that they defrauded a spiritual seeker of N6.8 million under the guise of preparing a spiritual soap.
The defendants — Waheed Bojesomo, 53; Olajide Olakanmi, 59; and Olayinka Oludayo, 46 — were arraigned on Tuesday on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
They pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought against them.
According to the prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Opaleye, the defendants allegedly committed the offence between 2022 and October 2025 at Apatere Village, Ibadan.
Opaleye told the court that the suspects allegedly obtained the money from Muritala Abiodun after claiming they would prepare a spiritual soap for him.
The prosecutor alleged that the defendants knew the claim was false and fraudulently converted the money for their personal use.
He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390(9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which relate to stealing, obtaining property by false pretence and criminal conspiracy.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted each defendant bail set at N2.5 million, with two sureties required in the same amount.
The court further directed that one of the sureties for each defendant must be a blood relative.
The matter was adjourned until October 22, 2026, for hearing.
Background Information
Cases involving alleged spiritual or supernatural claims used to obtain money have periodically appeared before Nigerian courts.
Authorities often warn members of the public to exercise caution when individuals demand large sums of money for unverified spiritual interventions, rituals, or promises of wealth, protection or solutions to personal problems.
Under Nigerian criminal law, obtaining money through false claims may amount to fraud or obtaining property by false pretence.
