Three herbalists arrested in Lagos for defrauding residents
Policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad Lagos State Police Command have arrested three men who allegedly specialise in using charms and other ornaments to extort money and other valuables from unsuspecting residents of the state.
The suspects identified as Ojo Ifakorede 30, Ifadayo Ojo 25,Akinola Ifaleke 30 were paraded by the acting Commissioner of police Lagos state command Edgal Imohimi.
Ifakorede who is the gang leader denied the allegations saying they are only practicing their religion as they are from a lineage of traditional worshippers.
He said” I came to Lagos from Ekiti state to practice herbalist. We are from Ifa family and we have the gift of divination from our fore fathers. We are not fraudsters and have never duped anyone.
” people consult us for spiritual help when the need be and we do not in anyway deceive them. I really don’t know why the police is alleging we are criminals.
Commenting on the arrests, acting CP Imohimi said, ” On October 21st, 2017 at about 3:40pm, a team of FSARS Ikeja upon information intercepted the suspects at Tolashade Awe Street, Maruwa Bus-stop Lekki Phase II, Ajah Lagos. They were suspected of belonging to a gang of local fraudsters who specialises in duping innocent citizens of their properties and money.
“When they were interrogated, Korede made a confessional statement. Some objects suspected to be locally made charms were recovered from their shrine which they used to lure their victims to part away with money and properties.”
Edgal said the suspects will be charged to court after thorough investigation.
He therefore appealed to the good people of Lagos to be vigilant at all times as all hands must be on deck to make the state safe and secure. ” Whenever they see something, they should say something.” He admonished.
Joy Anyim
