Operatives of the Obantoko Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a suspected fake clergyman, Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of spiritual deliverance and a fake government-sponsored pilgrimage scheme across Ogun, Osun and Oyo states.

The suspect was arrested on August 3, 2026, at about 4:45 p.m. in Ibadan, Oyo State, following four months of intelligence gathering and discreet investigations by detectives attached to the Obantoko Division. According to the Ogun State Police Command, Makinde allegedly deceived victims by presenting himself as a genuine cleric while promising spiritual solutions and financial benefits through fraudulent religious activities.

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Confirming the arrest in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected about ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in the Saje-Adatan area of Abeokuta under the false pretext of facilitating a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He was also accused of promising each victim ₦2 million as part of the purported programme.

Babaseyi said the investigation further uncovered that the suspect allegedly operated similar fraudulent schemes in Ogun, Oyo and Osun States, where he reportedly exploited victims by claiming to possess spiritual powers capable of solving their personal and financial problems.

“Following four months of sustained intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, detectives attached to the Obantoko Division, on August 3, 2026, at about 1645hrs, arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as ‘Pastor Kenny,’ in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the police spokesman stated.

He added that, “The arrest followed investigations into allegations that the suspect fraudulently manipulated unsuspecting victims under the guise of spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo and Osun States. Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained approximately ₦2.5 million from eighteen fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and promising each member ₦2 million.”

The police said Makinde remains in custody while investigations continue to identify additional victims and arrest other members of the alleged syndicate. The command urged members of the public who may have fallen victim to the suspect or similar schemes to report to the nearest police station, assuring that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Ogun State Police Command also advised residents to remain vigilant and verify claims involving financial contributions, religious programmes and overseas travel offers before making payments, warning that fraudsters increasingly exploit religion and false promises of financial rewards to deceive unsuspecting citizens.