A 37 years old national of Benin Republic, Gbese Peter, has been arrested by the police in Ogun State for defrauding a couple, Mr and Mrs Bamigboye Alao, to the tune of N5 million.
Peter defrauded them under the pretence of helping them to overcome their spiritual problem and shielding their children from untimely death.
According to the spokesman of the police in Ogun State, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, 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 a serious spiritual calamity awaiting them and their children if an urgent spiritual step was not taken.
She said 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 N5million.
According to her, when they realised that they had been swindled, he husband suffered severe shock and died as a result.
Upon the report, the DPO Sabo division SP Nicholas Tamunoinom, detailed his detectives to go after the suspect and with the help of members of the public, they succeeded in arresting him on the July 25, 2020.
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to collecting money under false pretence from the couple but he claimed that he only duped them of N3.5 million and not N5milion as claimed by the woman.
He added that he had used the money to build a house for himself.
Recovered from the suspect are a wooden coffin containing white cloth and other substance, horn wrapped with white cloth and beads.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Edward A. Ajogun, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for proper investigation and diligent prosecution.
