The Ogun state police command has arrested a 37-year-old national of Benin Republic, Gbese Peter for allegedly defrauding a couple, Mr and Mrs Bamigboye Alao of N5 million under the pretense of helping them overcome their spiritual problems and shielding their children from untimely death.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged at Sabo Police Station by Mrs Bamigboye.
He said;
“The suspect was arrested following the complaint lodged at Sabo police station by Mrs Bamigboye who reported that she and her husband met the suspect about five years ago when he started discussing with them about a serious spiritual calamity (problem) awaiting them and their children if an urgent spiritual step is not taken.
“Out of fear of the unknown, they agreed to embark on the said spiritual journey and he took them to the Republic of Benin where he gave them a wooden coffin which he instructed them not to open until he asked them to do so.
“She stated further that the suspect started collecting money from them until they coughed out the total sum of N5 million. When they realised that they have been swindled, the shock led to the death of her husband”.
Upon being arrested and interrogated, the suspect confessed to collecting money under false pretense from the couple, but claimed that he only duped them of N3.5 million and not N5 million as claimed by the woman. Gbese further disclosed that he used the money to build a house for himself.
A wooden coffin containing white cloth and other substances, a horn wrapped with white cloth and beads were recovered from the suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Ajogun, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for proper investigation and diligent prosecution.
