Police arrest 'pastor' over alleged ₦2.5 million fake Jerusalem trip scam

Authorities in Nigeria's Ogun State have apprehended a man known as 'Pastor Kenny' in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly defrauding 18 fellowship members of approximately ₦2.5 million. The suspect, identified as Kehinde Makinde, is accused of promising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and a return of ₦2 million to each of his victims.

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

The arrest followed a four-month surveillance operation by detectives attached to the Obantoko Division. Preliminary investigations revealed that Makinde, operating under the guise of spiritual deliverance, had allegedly manipulated unsuspecting individuals across Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states.

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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.

Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi stated that the suspect was taken into custody on August 3, 2026. Efforts are currently underway to identify any further victims and apprehend potential accomplices involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme.

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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.

Makinde remains in police custody as the investigation continues. The case highlights ongoing concerns about fraudulent activities preying on religious beliefs and aspirations for international travel.

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The suspect remains in Police custody while efforts continue to identify additional victims and apprehend his accomplices.