Two Islamic Clerics Arraigned for Allegedly Defrauding Doctor of N280 Million
Two self-proclaimed Islamic clerics, Saheed Atanda Aremu (44) and Tolani Osuolale (48), have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor, Dr. Patrick Eloka Akaraiwe, of N280 million under the pretext of conducting spiritual prayers on the money.
According to court documents, the clerics allegedly convinced the doctor to hand over $200,000 in three separate installments, claiming the funds needed to be spiritually “fortified” to prevent misfortune or untimely death. They also claimed to possess supernatural powers capable of multiplying the money and averting calamities.
The defendants were arraigned on Thursday on a five-count charge including conspiracy, fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and stealing. The charges were brought by the police and stem from incidents said to have occurred between November 19, 2020, and October 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Oworonshoki, Lagos State.
Police prosecutor Joseph Eboseremen stated that the alleged acts violated several provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as sections of the Criminal Code.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. While the defence counsel informed the court of a pending bail application already served on the prosecution, Eboseremen requested additional time to respond and asked for the defendants to be remanded.
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Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered the remand of the two self-proclaimed Islamic clerics in prison custody and adjourned the case until July 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
