• Two suspects, Folake Olasode (35) and Damilola Aboloyinjo (31), were arrested in Lagos for fraud.

• They allegedly defrauded a housewife, Sarah Umeh, of N8 million under the guise of spiritual healing.

• The suspects used various deceptive practices, including preparing charms and performing rituals.

• Umeh realized she was being defrauded after receiving a tip-off and reported the case to the police.

A 35-year-old woman, Folake Olasode, and her accomplice, Damilola Aboloyinjo, aged 31, were arrested by the Zone 2 Command of the Lagos Police for allegedly defrauding a housewife, Sarah Umeh, of N8 million. The suspects were charged in a Lagos Magistrates’ Court for obtaining money under false pretenses, claiming they could provide spiritual healing and protection.

Olasode reportedly convinced Umeh that the money was needed to prepare charms for her and her children to protect them from untimely death. Aboloyinjo, a friend of Umeh, played a role in luring her to Olasode for these fraudulent services. The police allege that Olasode created fake charms and performed rituals, including inscribing incisions on the bodies of Umeh and her children.

The scheme unraveled when Umeh realized she had been deceived and reported the matter to the police. Following a tip-off, the police arrested the suspects at their temple. They were charged with multiple offenses, including obtaining money by false pretenses and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N750,000 each, with conditions to provide sureties. The case is set for mention on October 14, 2024, while the defendants remain in custody until bail conditions are met.